This is a rather impressive Western, far above average. The Technicolor photography is excellent, as is the outdoor scenery.
There's also an excellent cast. Dana Andrews is the lead, and this is one of his better roles. Brian Donlevy is the second male lead, who is a little more crooked a businessman than most realize. Susan Hayward is excellent and quite beautiful as the fiancé of Donlevy. The beautiful Patricia Roc plays Andrew's love interest (this was her only Hollywood film, although she was a very popular actress in British films). Ward Bond is the real heavy here; one of my favorite character actors. Hoagy Carmichael plays an oddball businessman, although I never understood how Hollywood took an interest in him, other than for his music (which is highlighted here with his great song "Buttermilk Sky"). Lloyd Bridges and Andy Devine also have good supporting roles.
I guess what keeps this from being a great film is that the plot just sort of wanders along (but then again, that is sort of what real life does) with no real apparent direction. Still, it's pretty interesting stuff...but it doesn't end up where you think it's going at all. In fact, it seems like all of sudden it's suddenly over.
Lots of good stuff here, even if the plot moving forward is a little weak...particularly the ending.
There's also an excellent cast. Dana Andrews is the lead, and this is one of his better roles. Brian Donlevy is the second male lead, who is a little more crooked a businessman than most realize. Susan Hayward is excellent and quite beautiful as the fiancé of Donlevy. The beautiful Patricia Roc plays Andrew's love interest (this was her only Hollywood film, although she was a very popular actress in British films). Ward Bond is the real heavy here; one of my favorite character actors. Hoagy Carmichael plays an oddball businessman, although I never understood how Hollywood took an interest in him, other than for his music (which is highlighted here with his great song "Buttermilk Sky"). Lloyd Bridges and Andy Devine also have good supporting roles.
I guess what keeps this from being a great film is that the plot just sort of wanders along (but then again, that is sort of what real life does) with no real apparent direction. Still, it's pretty interesting stuff...but it doesn't end up where you think it's going at all. In fact, it seems like all of sudden it's suddenly over.
Lots of good stuff here, even if the plot moving forward is a little weak...particularly the ending.