I'm not sure why, but I didn't have high expectations for this film. With Robert Mitchum...well, I can take him or leave him. With William Holden...a little higher up on my scale, but still not a favorite. But I have regretted not seeing more films starring Loretta Young; I find her to be very interesting actress. So I thought I give this film my 15 minute test...if it grabs me in the first 15 minutes, I keep watching.
Well, it did grab me. And I think that perhaps the reason why is that it almost seems as if Mitchum and Holden should have reversed their roles here. It seems as if they are both playing a bit against character. In some ways here, Mitchum is the good guy...at least in the sense that he seems to have a more honorable attitude toward how a woman/wife should be treated; on the other hand, he was more than willing to step in between a husband and his wife. Then we have Holden who isn't sensitive (at least toward his new wife) at all, but who learns a valuable lesson. Sort of a game of chess...well, perhaps checkers. Despite their roles, they both do quite well here. And Loretta Young is nigh on perfect. Gary Gray, a child actor, turns in a fine performance as the son. And, I always notice when I see Tom Tully in a role.
My one criticism -- and it's a mild one -- is that the whole topic of Indians is barely mentioned, until the finale of the film. It doesn't seem to be a concern...until it suddenly is.
It's a well done film, and I think you'll find it quite enjoyable.
Well, it did grab me. And I think that perhaps the reason why is that it almost seems as if Mitchum and Holden should have reversed their roles here. It seems as if they are both playing a bit against character. In some ways here, Mitchum is the good guy...at least in the sense that he seems to have a more honorable attitude toward how a woman/wife should be treated; on the other hand, he was more than willing to step in between a husband and his wife. Then we have Holden who isn't sensitive (at least toward his new wife) at all, but who learns a valuable lesson. Sort of a game of chess...well, perhaps checkers. Despite their roles, they both do quite well here. And Loretta Young is nigh on perfect. Gary Gray, a child actor, turns in a fine performance as the son. And, I always notice when I see Tom Tully in a role.
My one criticism -- and it's a mild one -- is that the whole topic of Indians is barely mentioned, until the finale of the film. It doesn't seem to be a concern...until it suddenly is.
It's a well done film, and I think you'll find it quite enjoyable.