Amazon.com

Think A Summer Place, and you'll probably be humming Max Steiner's wonderfully romantic instrumental theme song, a hand-holding hit in 1959. The movie itself is similarly irresistible, a colorful soap opera about the passions of a pair of dewy-eyed teens and their straying parents. At an island resort in Maine, Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue (the reigning teen idols of the day) fall hard for each other. What they don't know is that her father (Richard Egan) and his mother (Dorothy McGuire), lovers 20 years earlier, have rekindled their affair. Both, inconveniently, have spouses, which is what makes this a soap opera. Lovers of camp will find much to savor in the incredible '50s attitudes, and in the innocence of supervirgin Dee ("Johnny, have you been bad with girls?"). Yet the sincerity of writer-director Delmer Daves, cowriter of An Affair to Remember, comes shining through the corn; and the grown-up affair anticipates The Bridges of Madison County by 30 years. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Just remember the ending...it's the part everyone remembers.
This super teen movie from 1959 is still a great date movie today. Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue play innocent teens whose parents are having an affair. The kids fall in love, spend some time at the beach, and everything is great...until Sandra gets some bad news from the doctor....

Dee and Donahue were the perfect teenage couple then, and they are still adorable. This film was considered quite racy when it was released; it's more PG today, but still dramatic, intense, and thought-provoking. The stars are such a pleasure to watch; they were so young and beautiful. And could anyone ever forget that gorgeous theme music? It IS the music of young love. This is still a great movie to watch with someone you love...or a bowl of popcorn!

The original 'teen date' movie.
Two teenagers in love(Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue) strive to be "good" and do the "right thing" by not going "all the way". This slick, colorful Hollywood soap opera about love and heartache among teens and their elders may have dated too much to have significant meaning to some tastes. Still arresting, however, as a look at 1950's lifestyles and values. This was, in its day, a box-office smash, and indeed, the premier teen date movie. The magnificent score by Max Steiner is still hauntingly beautiful, and was also big hit when the film was initially released. Yes, the realistic subject matter of the film itself has been glamorized and Hollywoodized, but it's so well-handled by the cast that it hardly matters. Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue light up the screen as the young lovers. And Dorothy McGuire and Richard Egan are sensational as the older set trying to rekindle the flame. The strong performances by this amazing quartet, and, of course, Max Steiner's enchanting title tune, make this rise far above the ordinary Hollywood fluff.

Where is the DVD
This is definitely one of the best teen movies ever made. Every time I hear the beautiful theme song it takes me back to my own innocent youth. I sincerely hope that Amazon will be offering the movie again, in the DVD format.

Great theme music
I have yet to watch the movie, but here is my encounter with its theme music more than **20** years ago, in China!

I first heard the music from my university radio station in the early 1980's. I was attracted to it immediately --- the music (no words) was so beautiful and so touching to the young minds. And the good thing is that the station broadcasted it once every day for a long period of time, as the signing off music. That was very appropriate because the ending of the music is vey gentle, fading gradually, like a wind drifting, drifting, until it disappears in the horizon.

At that time, I didn't know who wrote the music, or which country it came from, I even didn't know its title! And the strange thing is that, after I graduated, never once had I ever heard the music again!

Recently I found I have to try hard to recall the melody. So I took my rescue effort: I sang pieces of the music to a librarian in my local public library, who kindly helped me find the music. Only then did I know that the song is calld "A Summer Place"! and it's a love song!

WHERE IS THE DVD!!???
This needs to be on DVD. I have worn out my VHS copy!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE release this on DVD!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Delmer Daves's movie about ex–army scout Tom Jeffords's one-man peace mission to the Apaches, and the diplomatic partnership he formed with Cochise, has a child's-storybook clarity to it. That applies to not only its lovely Technicolor compositions but also its scenario, characterizations, and still-arresting mix of violence and delicacy. Broken Arrow wasn't the first Western to express sympathy for the Indian side in the frontier wars (Devil's Doorway came out earlier in 1950 and filed a more scathing brief on the Indians' behalf), but it was Daves's picture that had a decisive impact on popular consciousness and effectively amended the ground rules of the genre. James Stewart's Jeffords may be less compelling than the troubled Westerners the star would soon be playing for Anthony Mann, but there's real tenderness and vulnerability in the performance. Jeff Chandler scored a supporting-actor Oscar^® nomination for leavening the dignity of Cochise with sly humor. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Encounter between two worlds.
I've seen Broken Arrow when I was just a kid. The power of the images of this film remained in the back of my mind. In the near past a collection of the best Far West movies was edited in Argentina. This was the first title I run to buy. I wasn't disappointed with what I found.
One of the first films, if not the first, to show common human traits in both Native Americans and Pioneer Americans. Both are shown alternatively as brave, cruel, ruthless, honorable, truthful, and wicked. A true kaleidoscopic round of basic human attitudes.
James Stewart impersonates Tom Jeffords a historical character, known for opening the postal trail thru Apache's territory. This story is shown in the movie, with the logical and expected changes that a commercial product implies. Nevertheless it depicts the relationship of trust developed between Cochise the Apache leader (Jeff Chandler) and Jeffords. They represent the better of two different worlds and work together to give peace a chance (as Lennon said). Peace is not an easy goal to reach; both of them had to pay a high price in order to obtain it.
A very young and beautiful Debra Paget, playing the role of Morningstar, contributes to give the romantic accent to the film. Jeffords was actually married to an Apache woman, but I'm not certain that the events were as shown here.
There is enough action for the epic lovers, a very good photography in Technicolor and a solid script to backup the story.
One more thing, the Apache characters are, mostly, performed by Native American actors, contributing to make the story more credible.
I think this movie deserves, in justice, to be called a classic. Enjoy it!!!.

A more accurate portrayal of the West
Broken Arrow was truly one of the first western flicks to portray the conflict between native Americans and white men with sympathy to the plight of the Indians. The story revolves around the conflict with the Apache tribe in Arizona in the 1870's.

Brooklyn born Jeff Chandler, aided by gobs of make up does a very respectable job playing Cochise. James Stewart in his genre playing Capt. Jeffords is sympathetic to the rights of the Apache to inhabit their territory. He learns the ways of the tribe to broker a piece treaty between Cochise and the untrustworthy U.S. military. While living among the tribe he falls madly in love with the ravishing Indian maiden Debra Paget (who was 17 in real life at the time of filming) and eventually marries her.

Cochise agrees to peace despite the objections of a splinter group of renegade Apache lead by Geronimo (played by a pre-Tonto, Jay Silverheels). The peace is a shaky one but eventually holds even through an attempted ambush of Cochise which results in the killing of Paget.

Blood brothers of the Southwest
This film classic is one of the few westerns that explores the Indian point of view, in war and in peace, and is the story of a proud people led by Cochise who wages a savage 10-year war with the Americans that finally ends with an honorable peace on his terms. The story is also about the courage of Tom Jeffords who is able to persuade Cochise to allow mail riders to pass through Apache country in safety. The two men form a bond of friendship and goodwill that stands the test of treachery, intolerance, racism, and betrayal from both red men and white men and teaches that a worthwhile peace cannot be achieved without cost and sacrifice. The film also depicts a tender love story involving Jeffords and an Apache girl. Their relationship blossoms in spite of a strict Apache code of courtship and Jeffords and Sonseeahray are drawn to each other immediately in spite of the hatred and mistrust between the Apaches and white men. The movie has fine action scenes that are filmed in lush Technicolor but stresses the personal relationship between Jeffords and Cochise and their struggle to bring peace to Arizona.

A Classic Western That Deserves DVD Release!
This is really intended for Amazon--please convey to whomever that a market exists--we're all waiting for the remastered DVD!!!

If you agree, please cast your vote here!!!

A fine Western
An engrossing, enjoyable Western dramatizing the Native American leader Cochise, who led the Apache nation in a struggle against white settlers in the Southwest border region. Jimmy Stewart, still young and electrifying, plays the sympathetic "Indian lover" who makes peace with the Apaches possible. The plot is very socially conscious and civil rights oriented (the director was actually on the McCarthy blacklist, working under a fake name...) and while it's a little stilted, it's also quite fun. Recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (33)

The Hanging Tree
This is one of my very favorite Gary Cooper movies. It is a western and beautifully photographed. A very good story, with great supporting roles. I have asked for this movie for several years now. I would rather not buy a used movie. Why is this movies not available to buy on DVD. I'm sure western lovers as well as Gary Cooper fans would love to be able to buy this movie. It's not even shown on television. It's been years. Please, please put in a word for me to whoever has the power to re-release this excellent film!!!

Why no response?
Rather than add my identical comments to those already made relative to this outstanding movie, I'd like to know why there has been no response. What sets this movie apart from other great movies readily available to view on television or to buy? I, too, have been waiting a long, long time. When will we get an answer? Why hasn't Turner Movie Classics ever shown it? When will someone ever answer our questions? Why High Noon, for example, and not The Hanging Tree? Answer please!!!

fabulous movie
I have wonderful memories of this movie. The Hanging Tree is up there with High Noon. Please will someone put this great western on D.V.D. Its a beautifully filmed picture and Carl Malden plays a wonerful villian.

A Must See Film
I was first able to see this film on TV in 1990. I had heard about it for years, but had not seen it until then. After seeing it I had to have it for my personal collection. I tried to find the film on VHS. It was many years later that it was finally released to video. I recomend this film to any one who wants to see an excellent story, with excellent actors, excellent music, excellent film work and something worth keeping and to share with friends. A film that can be watched over and over. I hope it will be released to DVD soon. I believe that DVD allows everyone to see early films exactly as they were viewed in the theater when first shown.

Fantastic, under-appreciated movie
I saw "The Hanging Tree" when it was first released, many years ago,and I was absolutely taken with the movie: the actors, the scenery, the story. The song. I heard Marty Robbins sing it (at my request) at a club about 6 years later. I have only seen the movie on TV once, and that was years ago. It should be on DVD. Wonderful movie. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A great story from Hollywood's first "brat pack"
A lot of people forget that there was a stable of youthful actors during the late '50s/ early '60s, which co-stars Troy Donahue and Connie Stevens were were part of here. This film deals with the Conneticut tobacco planting industry, a woman (Colbert) who is hired as governess for one of the planters' daughter, her iconoclastic son (Donahue), his girlfriend (Stevens) the region's largest landholder who wants it all (Karl Malden) and his personable sweet-natured dauhter (Sharon Hugueny). There are family struggles in this film which are a lot like later TV series like "Dallas" and "Dynasty". Another point of interest is the work songs sung by the migrant Jamaican workforce; "There's a wheel spinnin' round and round/ puttin' tobacco in the ground", and other such chants. This is no Oscar winner, but it's a lot better than just about any other generation-cult film.

Parrish-The genius of Delmar Daves and Max Steiner
My wife and I saw this film at a drive in central coastal caif.when first released.I believe the musical scores of Daves films lifted them higher than the scripts alone would allow.Each character or relationship had it's own theme music which would swell as a new scene faded in from black, it was very subtle,but very effective.It put the audience back in contact with the characters without using additional dialog.In the first viewing you may not even be aware of what Daves and Steiner are doing.The same thing happens in A Summer Place,Rome Adventure,Susan Slade It really adds to the enjoyment of the film.Of course it only works when someone of Max Steiners talent scores the films.Delmar Daves,best known perhaps as a director of westerns certainly had the touch to direct romantic films with a message.The skill to get the best performances out of young and inexperienced actors,and the most beautiful visuals and photographic work of that or any other era.His films leave you feeling good,a smile on your face,and your faith in mankind restored.THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT!

Not yet on DVD?
I consider this movie a classic for it's time period. I am astounded it's not yet on DVD and that we have to "vote" to convence the studio to release it. Ever bit of nonsense that's newly relased makes it to DVD. It's a shame such movies as Parrish and Splender in the Grass are not available.

The Characters Have Depth, Nothing Was Spared In Its Making
Max Steiner's musical scoring, the brilliant performances by the entire cast, and the great directing and editing will put this film in the Gone With the Wind category. I recommend it highly to those who want to see filmmaking at its best.

Parrish
I was a kid when my mom took me to the "burning of the barn" scene and the scenes in Old Saybrook. Then i saw the finished product and even today i still watch that film. Even though now it does seem a little corney, it's just plain fun to watch. I also was a big Troy Donahue fan and saw all of his other movies. "Rome Adventure", "Summer Place", and "Susan Slade" which for some reason was never transferred to tape, at least i have never been able to find it. Of course the music by Max Steiner is the greatest and it's a shame that we do not have any composers like Max anymore. Parrish is and will always be a great classic in my eyes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not ALAN LADD
I PURCHASED THIS MOVIE THINKING IT WAS A ALAN lADD MOVIE BECAUSE IT WAS GIVING AS A ALAN LADD MOVIE BY AMAZON BUT THE JOKE WAS ON ME IT IS NOT THE ALAN LADD BADLANDERS SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH THIS CRAPPY MOVIE AND HAVE TO STILL BUY BADLANDERS WITH ALAN LADD SO ALL I CAN SAY IS AMAZON SUCKS

the badlanders
good movie but not great movie. Western version of "The Asphalt Jungle" Ladd and Borgnine are stiffed by local villan Kent Smith, in unconnected incidents. when released from klink team up to rob gold mine. Granted it's not Shane, but it's a good flick. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Solid Sequel to The Robe
Demetrius and the Gladiators is a good, solid direct sequel to the The Robe. Victor Mature (Demetrius the slave) reprises his role from the earlier movie as his master (played by Richard Burton in The Robe)is dead and Demetrius is now free and protecting the robe of Christ that the mad emperor Caligula seeks thinking, in his twisted mind, that it will make him a god. If you are a fan of Roman epics such as Quo Vadis, Spartacus, or The Robe then this movie will be a wonderful treat for you!

Wonderful Caligula-Jay Robinson and much more.
I've come to love this movie. "Camp" or not "camp", it doesn't matter. I find it clearly superior to "The Robe", for which this one was intended as a sequel, in view or the former's success and the appreciation that Victor Mature got as Demetrius. What I like about this movie is:

-The intelligent subtext. With all the fights and -admittedly cheesy- effects and spectacle, it is about a man's fundamental doubts. Demetrius's faith is shaken because he can't cope with the fact that an evil world, in which harm is done to the innocent, is the creation of an all-loving God that fails to show Himself when most needed.

-Extraordinary supporting cast. Jay Robinson is wonderful "over the top", as they say. Absolutely and unashamedly flamboyant. I imagine that he liked the part very much and had fun with it. It is unfortunately that his career wasn't successful enough afterwards. He is Caligula! Or rather, I wish Caligula were this way: at least he would have been funny, cunning and extravaganly alluring! Susan Hayward is not wrong as Mesalina. See the final farewell to Demetrius,in which see seems experiencing an imagined or remembered orgasm. Michael Rennie is an over-dignified "Peter", but the most noble character, as another reviewer has suggested is Glycon. Clearly a superior to all the others, particularly to Demetrius himself. At the end he is put on the same level as the Apostle himself. The fact that he was a black actor is very positive (the film was realeased in 1954).

-Great score: Franz Waxman at his most heroic and religious. Or sometime, ominous, as the sinister fanfare that accompanies the gladiators to the arena, in order to perform "the marriage of life and dead", is.

-The film has given me food for thought. About slavery, about the plight of men forced to fight or die, about faith and religion, about men as warriors... "Demetrius and the gladiators" can be read as mere entertaiment, but if you habor some thought about those bygone ages and how human fate was tackled in the Classical world, it gives you material -forceful images and plot- to do that. Don't expect, of course, historic accuracy. This is not necessary at all and it is not the fuction of cinema.

Well, I have here "Demetrius and the Gladiators", I've watched it a couple of times, and I know that I can watch in many more. Then, worth the purchase. By the way, "Spartacus" depends on this one in many places.

Better than Gladiator.
Victor Mature makes a better gladiator than Russell Crowe in this sequal to "the Robe."

Join Demetrius in his journey as he battles gladiators, tigers, Caligula, and most dangerous his feelings for the wiley and seductive Susan Haywood. What makes this movie so entertaining is the moral dilemma he faces, and his fall and redemption. This is a real man facing real temptations in an immoral world, much like we are in today.

Jay Robinson makes a welcome return as the emperor Caligula, chewing up the scenary with his wonderful performance.

This is like gladiator with heart.

HEY!
We ordered this apooey movie and it has never come to us! Three months ago! HUMPH! I WAAAAANNNA SEE IT! AAAAAAAAAMAAAAAZOOOOOOOOOOOOON! WHERE'S MY STUFF!????(I hope my Eowyn Figure comes....)

A pivotal role for an African-American actor
The sequel to 1953's "The Robe" sports the same quality production values, three of the principal actors, a wonderful score, and the same reverence for the Scriptures. One of the bonuses in this film is the addition of the supporting character, Glydon, portrayed by stage actor William Marshall. Although he is Demetrius's servant, "Glydon" is in no way subservient to the gladiator. In fact, in some scenes, the actor, with his commanding speech and stature, comes across as an intellectual and spiritual superior. This role is somewhat a trend setting one for a film from the mid-50's.

Even at the film's end, Marshall is seen walking as an "equal" with stars Victor Mature and Susan Hayward.

Film buffs may not list this film as a benchmark in cinematic, history but African-Americans can count Marshall's performance as much a breakthrough as anything by his more established contemporaries Sidney Poiter or Harry Belafonte. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good Adaptation of the Hamner Novel With One Exception
Before THE WALTONS, Earl Hamner Jr. wrote a novel called
SPENCER'S MOUNTAIN, a fictionalized version of his childhood
in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The film version of
his novel is in general excellent--Henry Fonda is a standout
as tough-but-loving Clay Spencer--but I always thought
James MacArthur was too old to be playing Clay-Boy, and he's
certainly NOT the charming but gawky red-headed kid described
in the novel! Richard Thomas was also older than the John-Boy

character he portrayed on the television series, but he
was made to look like a gawky teenager where MacArthur never
does. (Incidentally, the family on TV is known as the Waltons
rather than the Spencers because after the movie was made
the studio owned the rights to the name "Spencer" so Hamner
had to change it for TV.)

My big quibble with this movie, and the reason I won't rate
it higher, is the character of Claris. In the novel she's a
bold, precocious, but ultimately nice girl--in the movie she
just comes off as a slut. The actress slithers and oozes like
some sort of Lolita-clone.

INSPIRED "THE WALTON'S"
Fonda plays the larger-than-life patriarch of 9 (with O'Hara as his wife) who's inherited the Wyoming mountain land claimed by his father. Fonda's dream is to build a new house large enough to contain his brood, but something always gets in his way. Sentimental family fare based on a novel by Earl Hamner, Jr.

Classic Delmer Daves production
"Spencer's Mountain" , written by Earl Hamner, Jr. of "The Walton's" wrote this script in the 1950s and it shows. Like many of the Delmer Daves movies of this era, this film combines a Max Steiner score, great cinematography and a heart-tugging story from a more innocent America. This is a great movie to get lost in, enjoy, and have a good cry. I sit back and re-live this film at least once a year.

A great family video
I loved this movie--Henry Fonda is wonderful as the hard-working, loving, commonsense father of nine children. Maureen O'Hara plays his wife and does a great job as a woman of faith who is constantly being challenged by the struggles of raising a large family with little income. It gives a beautiful portrait of a close-knit family whose members sacrifice freely for one another. A great family movie.

This is a funny, heartwrenching movie
This is such a beautifully made film. It made me laugh (really hard), then had me on the verge of tears. This is a true look at rual America in the 40's (or was it the 30's). And for a movie made 40 years ago, it has some pretty smart dialogue. Spencer's son has this "loose" girlfreind who's always getting the poor guy in trouble. "Wannna get the dictionary and look up all the dirty words?" she asks the son while she tries (unsuccessfully) to seduce him in the town library. Don't get me wrong there is nothing vulgar about this film. It really is a family classic. Hnery Fonda is in peak form here. A REAL look at family life. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Solid Sequel to The Robe
Demetrius and the Gladiators is a good, solid direct sequel to the The Robe. Victor Mature (Demetrius the slave) reprises his role from the earlier movie as his master (played by Richard Burton in The Robe)is dead and Demetrius is now free and protecting the robe of Christ that the mad emperor Caligula seeks thinking, in his twisted mind, that it will make him a god. If you are a fan of Roman epics such as Quo Vadis, Spartacus, or The Robe then this movie will be a wonderful treat for you!

Wonderful Caligula-Jay Robinson and much more.
I've come to love this movie. "Camp" or not "camp", it doesn't matter. I find it clearly superior to "The Robe", for which this one was intended as a sequel, in view or the former's success and the appreciation that Victor Mature got as Demetrius. What I like about this movie is:

-The intelligent subtext. With all the fights and -admittedly cheesy- effects and spectacle, it is about a man's fundamental doubts. Demetrius's faith is shaken because he can't cope with the fact that an evil world, in which harm is done to the innocent, is the creation of an all-loving God that fails to show Himself when most needed.

-Extraordinary supporting cast. Jay Robinson is wonderful "over the top", as they say. Absolutely and unashamedly flamboyant. I imagine that he liked the part very much and had fun with it. It is unfortunately that his career wasn't successful enough afterwards. He is Caligula! Or rather, I wish Caligula were this way: at least he would have been funny, cunning and extravaganly alluring! Susan Hayward is not wrong as Mesalina. See the final farewell to Demetrius,in which see seems experiencing an imagined or remembered orgasm. Michael Rennie is an over-dignified "Peter", but the most noble character, as another reviewer has suggested is Glycon. Clearly a superior to all the others, particularly to Demetrius himself. At the end he is put on the same level as the Apostle himself. The fact that he was a black actor is very positive (the film was realeased in 1954).

-Great score: Franz Waxman at his most heroic and religious. Or sometime, ominous, as the sinister fanfare that accompanies the gladiators to the arena, in order to perform "the marriage of life and dead", is.

-The film has given me food for thought. About slavery, about the plight of men forced to fight or die, about faith and religion, about men as warriors... "Demetrius and the gladiators" can be read as mere entertaiment, but if you habor some thought about those bygone ages and how human fate was tackled in the Classical world, it gives you material -forceful images and plot- to do that. Don't expect, of course, historic accuracy. This is not necessary at all and it is not the fuction of cinema.

Well, I have here "Demetrius and the Gladiators", I've watched it a couple of times, and I know that I can watch in many more. Then, worth the purchase. By the way, "Spartacus" depends on this one in many places.

Better than Gladiator.
Victor Mature makes a better gladiator than Russell Crowe in this sequal to "the Robe."

Join Demetrius in his journey as he battles gladiators, tigers, Caligula, and most dangerous his feelings for the wiley and seductive Susan Haywood. What makes this movie so entertaining is the moral dilemma he faces, and his fall and redemption. This is a real man facing real temptations in an immoral world, much like we are in today.

Jay Robinson makes a welcome return as the emperor Caligula, chewing up the scenary with his wonderful performance.

This is like gladiator with heart.

HEY!
We ordered this apooey movie and it has never come to us! Three months ago! HUMPH! I WAAAAANNNA SEE IT! AAAAAAAAAMAAAAAZOOOOOOOOOOOOON! WHERE'S MY STUFF!????(I hope my Eowyn Figure comes....)

A pivotal role for an African-American actor
The sequel to 1953's "The Robe" sports the same quality production values, three of the principal actors, a wonderful score, and the same reverence for the Scriptures. One of the bonuses in this film is the addition of the supporting character, Glydon, portrayed by stage actor William Marshall. Although he is Demetrius's servant, "Glydon" is in no way subservient to the gladiator. In fact, in some scenes, the actor, with his commanding speech and stature, comes across as an intellectual and spiritual superior. This role is somewhat a trend setting one for a film from the mid-50's.

Even at the film's end, Marshall is seen walking as an "equal" with stars Victor Mature and Susan Hayward.

Film buffs may not list this film as a benchmark in cinematic, history but African-Americans can count Marshall's performance as much a breakthrough as anything by his more established contemporaries Sidney Poiter or Harry Belafonte. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This sturdy Delmer Daves picture--his third with Glenn Ford, following Jubal and 3:10 to Yuma--is one of the most offbeat Westerns ever. And it must be the most writerly, with Frank Harris's memoirs as the source and a picaresque screenplay by Edmund H. North and Dalton Trumbo (a blacklistee, credited only posthumously). There's a pileup of oddities and complications at the outset, with Chicago hotel clerk Harris (Jack Lemmon) already in mid-romance with a daughter of the Mexican aristocracy (Anna Kashfi--Mrs. Marlon Brando at the time), and Texas cattleman Tom Reese (Ford) storming in to commandeer an entire floor of the hotel for him and his drovers so they can party till, well, the cows come home. Partying is curtailed when Reese loses big at cards; Harris bails him out with his savings, and Reese finds he's taken on not only an unwanted partner but a tenderfoot besides. Soon everyone is headed south.

Cowboy merits its bedrock title. This is a rare Western in which the job of breaking horses, trail herding, etc. figures as a dynamic aspect of the storytelling. The film also has a blunt and original way of looking at death, not as a genre convention but as something abrupt, ungainly, and often absurd, in both senses of the word. (This applies equally to men and cattle, by the way.) The camerawork is trim, angular, and somehow precarious, and the jagged editing hustles the very eventful proceedings to a close in barely an hour and a half. Saddle up. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Rafael Mendez
I like that Mr.Mendez. He can really play that horn. Hot i tell you.. hot! Anyways folks, I recommend that you awll buy this fantastic root in tootin' slam here footin' horse riding shootin' movie! You'll love it and as for Mendez. He is the greatest.

How could they release this in Pan & Scan????
This is a wonderful look at the "real" West for a change; warts and all. BUT, and it is a big BUT, it needs to be seen as originally filmed not cut for television. Neverthless I'll keep this copy and then buy it again when it is released in Widescreen. Why do those who support the rights of directors and complain when someone "messes" with "their" product think nothing of chopping a film to fit a televion screen.

Western Fan
This moive had everything that made it easy to remember. Glen Ford was always a standup kind of guy and could be hard as nails, or gentle. Jack Lemmon was like a new born calf looking for how to walk on his unsteady legs. The other actors were very good and there was no over acting, they fit their roles perfectly, as a person that enjoys good stunts this one was not lacking in that department. I would watch this moive often,as it is good entertainment.

Giddy-Up!
Very amusing western with Jack Lemmon learning the cowboy-way by pro Glenn Ford. Colorful and entertaining and one of the classics. Waiting only for "The Sheepman".

Watch out for saddle sores!
This "fish-out-of-water" story has Jack Lemmon turn from a dude into a hard-bitten cowhand in this enjoyable trail drive western. Glenn Ford, who always looks at home in a saddle, is along for the ride as the trail boss. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Despite incorporating elements of Shakespeare's Othello, DelmerDaves's CinemaScope Jubal is the first and least of three Westernsthe director made with star Glenn Ford. Although not up to the measure of3:10 to Yuma and the boldly original (and sadly neglected)Cowboy, it's still a well-above-average Western by a man whosesturdy sense of drama and pictorial ecstasies qualify him as a solidgenre filmmaker. Ford plays a drifter who is rescued, then hired asramrod, by rancher Ernest Borgnine, thereby stimulating the erotic interestof Borgnine's sexy young wife (Valerie French) and the Iago-likeresentment of the former top hand (Rod Steiger). A range war and thepersecution of a religious sect whose wagon train is camped onBorgnine's land complicate matters beyond the Shakespearean premise.The solid supporting cast includes Noah Beery Jr., Charles Bronson, andFelicia Farr, who would contribute a memorable interlude to 3:10 toYuma. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Showcase
In the mid-1950's writer-director Delmer Daves made a series of superior westerns for Columbia studios. Too bad these films have not gotten their critical due from movie historians or critics. Perhaps it's because they lack the thematic continuity of a Buddy Boetticher or a John Ford to tie them together. Still each entry presents its own distinct virtues and all are greatly entertaining. If the compact, and tautly told "3:10 to Yuma" is the best of the lot, the scenic and sprawling "Jubal" runs a close second. This mid-series film features Glenn Ford's easy-going charm, a rowdy Earnest Borgnine, a luscious Valerie French, and the panoramic backdrop of Jackson Hole Wyoming. And in an odd piece of casting, which Daves seems fond of, method actor extrordinaire Rod Steiger appears as a treacherous ranch hand named of all things, Pinky! Following the dueling styles of Ford vs. Steiger is at least as interesting as the otherwise well-staged outbursts of gunplay.

Judging from other entries, such as 1958's "Cowboy", Daves seems genuinely intrigued by the real life of cowhands. Thus the cowhands in Jubal are more vividly drawn and distinctively presented than their usual role as faceless stage props. The story itself features a fairly explicit (for its time) woman in heat (French), whose scheming shenanigans set off a plot-driving chain of events, while shifting alliances among ranch hands and settlers round out a sprawling and sometimes over-generous plot. And, oh yes, making a sudden appearance half way through, a lonesome Charles Bronson in a tacked on role that perhaps provided a needed payday, (Daves and Bronson had been together in the earlier, oddball essay "Drumbeat".) If none of this sounds good, then just sit back and take in the beautifully photographed alpine landscape that has salvaged many a western much less worthy than "Jubal".

Another Glenn Ford masterpiece!
Seems I agree with critic anne on just about anything where this actor is concerned! But in addition to his prowess as a fast gun, watch for the fleeting camera moments that distinguish his acting from others...after he is trapped into shooting his best friend, watch the body language as he bends over the friend, but particularly when he raises his head to look at Bronson and note the shock, pain and grief in his eyes. Also, compare the facial expressions when he is talking to the rancher's wife and when he is talking to his new-found girlfriend. In the former scenes, it appears that he is trying not to be rude, but can't stand her; and in the latter, there is a tenderness that is also seldom seen on the screen. Don't miss this film! It is an above ordinary western!

Another Glenn Ford masterpiece!
Seems I agree with customer critic anne on just about anything where this actor is concerned! But in addition to his prowess as a fast gun, watch for the fleeting camera moments that distinguish his acting from others...after he is trapped into shooting his best friend, watch the body language as he bends over the friend, but particularly when he raises his head to look at Bronson and note the shock, pain and grief in his eyes. Also, compare the facial expressions when he is talking to the ranchers wife and when he is talking to his new-found girlfriend. In the former scenes, it appears that he is trying not to be rude, but can't stand her; and in the latter, there is a tenderness that is also seldom seen on the screen. Don't miss this film! It is an above ordinary western!

A Very Scenic Western!
Another most entertaining western with Glenn Ford as Jubal Troop involved in a deadly love triangle. A great movie to see if only to watch Glenn Ford and his quick reflexes as a gunslinger! Great scenery and highly recommended. END ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I love this movie.
"Never Let me Go" is a wonderful movie starring Clark Gable and Jean Tierney. It is full of Romance and adventure. Gable is a Journalist in Russia at the end of world war II.Tierney is a ballerina. They both fall in love , get married, and try to leave Russia by plane. The Russian officials prevent this from happening. Wife and husband are seperated. It is now up to Gable to figure out a way of getting his wife out of Russia. He risks his life for the woman he loves. Now, that is love.Please, release this movie onto DVD.

Not Gable's Best, But....
One of Clark Gable's older films, the plot is a bit convoluted, and really avoids what made him so big, for such a macho guy to make fun of himself.Choppy at times it still is worth seeing Gable and his beautiful co-star Gene Tierney. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Submarine Drama
Destination Tokyo is a fine dramatic action film about life aboard an American submarine during WWII that is sent on a mission that puts them into Tokyo Bay. Cary Grant stars as the captain who wishes he could be with his wife and children and who has the total respect of his crew. It's a good performance, not typical of the character that you expect to see Grant playing. Members of the crew include John Garfield, who has a story about every girl he's ever met; Dane Clark, an intense sailor with a reason for hating the enemy; and Alan Hale as the cook, providing much of the film's humour (as he often did in other movies). The film has a series of tense episodes, and mixes the drama and action well. Other than saying that it could have been shortened, the movie is quite good, and it must have had a strong impact on audiences during World War Two who were able to see what life on a submarine may have been like.

This Destination Is a Good Time
Delmer Davies's Destination Tokyo is very enjoyable WWII submarine action drama about a covert naval operation to scope out information for the aerial bombing of a primary Japanese naval yard. Starring a very charming Cary Grant as the sympathetic commanding officer and John Garfield as the girl obsessing crewman. Destination is very realistic in its depiction of submarine life and very watchable fifty-six years after its release. Though brimming with out-dated and silly comic relief, the contrived humor just adds to its considerable charm as a very watchable and dramatically engaging war film.A real gem of movie, Destination also has one of Grant's most unappreciated roles. Any fan of old war movies and Cary Grant can't go wrong buying this one.

You might be surprised.
A WWII sub film made during the war? Probably a jingoistic, even racist, bit of ma-and-apple-pie propaganda with woefully dated special effects. That much is true of Destination Tokyo, to be sure. From that angle, it's still an interesting bit of WWII-meets-Hollywood history, and its plot even ties into the famous Dolittle raid. (The film never calls the raid by that name, but it uses the actual footage of the bombers leaving the carrier Hornet, so it's all clear enough what the inspiration is if you know WWII history.)

Destinaton Tokyo is also a strong enough film in its own right as long as you can accept/stomach its propaganda aims. The action sequences are pretty exciting by the day's standards, and the nicely acted slice-of-life bits with the colorful crew are formulaic but quite entertaining nonetheless. They're often funny too, thanks to John Garfield's perpetually horny braggart character.

A Great Submarine Movie
Thankfully, this movie has NOT been colorized as mentioned in the format. It is presented in glorious black & white ... AS IT SHOULD BE !!!

Today is June 7th ... Let's see how long it takes Amazon to fix the description after receiving notification.

How to ruin a Fantastic motion picture
COLORIZE IT!!!! I have a problem in taking a wonderful action packed WWI sumbmarine movie with suspense, action, and more stars that you can count and totaly mess it up with someones interpertation of what something looks like in color. I bought the colorized movie by accident some years ago and it looked like a 5 year-old took a crayon and colored inside the frames. I returned it the next day. Keep B/W movies the way they were made. In the movie someone asks "Do prayers really work" and the reply was "I know they do", well I'm praying that the B/W version comes out VERY SOON!! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A Neglected Masterpiece!
I first saw this film on the late show back in the 50's when I was a mere child. It scared the pants off me then, and pretty much does the same now. This is what I call staying power. Too bad more people aren't aware of this film. The sad thing about the presentation of this film (I have both the VHS & DVD) is that the sound recording needs definite restorative work. This would really be disturbing if the film itself wasn't so compelling. The production values as well as the production team are all A-List, from the fine direction of Delmer Daves to the outstanding mood-setting score of Max Steiner to the casting of pro stars like Edward G. Robinson & Judith Anderson sharing the screen with teen magazine heart-throbs Rory Calhoun and Julie London. Lon McCallister is fine in what is really the lead role, and a very fine performance by young Allene Roberts (whatever happened to her!). The DVD is pretty much of the bargain-bin variety, though there are a couple of little extras on it...most notably explaining that Robinson's career came to a standstill after this film because of the Hollywood blacklist. The suspense factor is among the highest I can recall (EVER!); the script is literate and clever; characters are well-defined; and the creepy mood is consistant. See this film and tell all your friends; you will NOT be disappointed.

Worth seeing for all kinds of reasons.
Ooh, fun! Like film noir? Don't miss this, if only because of Edward G., and just so you can say you saw it. If Disney couyld make a good film noir back in the 40's, this might have been it. And that's a compliment. Hitchcock wouldn't have done this:L it's too moody and down-home. It's different. Ma and Pa Kettle quit foolin' around, lose a few years, and go out to find a few corpses.

1. See if you can guess my favorite shot ( with Aileen Roberts, alone)

2. See Judith Anderson in something besides REBECCA: "Every living soul has their Oxhead Woods..."

3. See Edward G. in a lesser known film, and still doing an excellent job ("...it can still be you and me, Jeannie...")

4. See Julie London. Sassy and delinquent here: "A fine swimming date we had, I don't think!" "I'm not gonna give you any kisses...I want you to miss 'em..." Gorgeous and talented, you could also sense the Hollywood ambition exuding from her during this film...no?

5. Rory Calhoun. A good job. Not given TOO much to do here except drink, hunt, beat up Lon McAllister and grab Julie London, he does it well: "Because it'll be a prettier bond if you buy it for me..."

If this is a piece of American candy, it's still a good piece--and more complex than you'd expect. (Probably moreso than I am capable of revealing here.)

Don't just leave it for the kids. In fact, it may scare the hell out of them. Ultimately, I believe there are aspects of this film that are of more than average, 'happy-day' depth.

Buy it. A true noir fan, you'll watch it more than once.

Should be restored but...
This review refers to the Alpha Video (Gotham) DVD.

Overall Quality of DVD: ** /**** Sound: *1/2 /**** Plot: *** /**** Acting: ***/**** Cinematography: ***/**** Direction: **1/2 /****

This is not a great film but very eerie, strange, nearly on par with something like "Carnival Of Souls" or "Incubus".

Rory Calhoun and Lon McCallister are solid in their roles. Arlene Roberts is good but does not come close to the sexiness of Julie London. Edward G. Robinson creates the mystery and suspense while his sister (in the film), Judith Anderson (Mrs. Danvers in "REBECCA") enhances and intensifies Robinson's esoteric character.

Granted, the film transfer is quite soft and glowing and the sound hisses throughout, however, it is still quite interesting to view and, due to the digital transfer process, the sound is stabilized.

Until/if a restoration is ever available this is the best we'll see but, in my opinion, is worth the low asking price - if you are expecting the quality of a Criterion Collection DVD you will be disappointed.

Brilliant Offbeat Daves Film, Horrible Print for DVD
As with many of Delmer Daves' films, The Red House shows originality, flair, and an intense weaving of landscape, theme, and character (rare among American directors working in the studios). He consistently achieves moments of great subtlety. In addition, Lon McCallister and Allene Roberts deliver striking performances under Daves' sensitive direction. It's no surprise that Scorcese noted this film in his "Personal Journey Through American Movies". Unfortunately, the print of the film used for the DVD is HORRIBLE -- there have to be better prints out there of this film!

A Long Lost Classic!!
Edward G. Robinson is fantastic as the man with the dark secret, in this excellent thriller! I bought it expecting to be either bored or amused. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised! The Red House is actually pretty creepy. Robinson plays a farmer who is not what he appears to be. There's a red house in the woods where something terrible happened many years earlier. His daughter (Arlene Roberts), and his sister (the magnificent Judith "Mrs. Danvers" Anderson) live with him. A boy comes to help out on the farm and the web of mystery slowly unravels. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves thrillers, chillers, or just plain good movies... ... Read more

Reviews (27)

You will fall in love.
No matter how many times i watch this movie i fall deeply in love with Italy. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the beautiful music score that plays almost constantly during the movie. When it comes to romance this is the ultimate and Troy Donahue gives his best performance. I have traveled a good portion of the world but i have to admit being in Italy has to be the most romantic. I'm a motor cycle, leather wearing type of guy but when i watch this movie i turn into a complete hopeless romantic. I'm also a big Troy Donahue fan and all his other films like "Summer Place", "Parish" and "Susan Slade" (the only movie not available on VHS) are all wonderful. These films might be very 60's but they are all sweet, romantic classic movies that will warm the coldest heart. Just one more comment,,,,,will SOMEONE please put these on DVD.....Please.....

Set sail for Italy
I'm admittedly biased: this has been my favorite film since it captured my budding romantic soul at 13 in 1963. Suzanne Pleshette is wonderful in this, her first film. Troy Donahue is great to look at albeit a terrible actor. Angie Dickinson is a treat in the film as well. This film offers old fashioned romanticism, absolutely breathtaking Italian and Swiss scenery, a hauntingly beautiful Max Steiner score, and great overall corniness. Also appearing is a very suave Rossano Brazzi, and Al Hirt is seen in a cameo role. The beautiful, haunting song "Al Di La" featured in the film had recently won the San Remo song festival, and was later recorded by Connie Francis. This film really captures early 60's American mores, and reflected a time when people often sailed, rather than flew to Europe!

Excellent forever
"excellent forever" is what my mother said about this movie !!... she asked me to buy it ... but I want it in DVD !!
When is going to come this movie in DVD format ????

WOW, WOW, WOW !.
If you have not had the pleasure of viewing this entertaining movie, do so as soon as possible. With a great cast, wonderful
music, breath taking scenery, and a simple, lighthearted love
story involving likable characters, it grows on you with each
viewing. It reminds me of how simple pleasures were in the 1960's. If you have not seen this movie before, watch it as soon
as you can, and then tell your friends, so that more people
can enjoy this treasure of a movie. This is a must for dvd release, and the sooner the better!

PLEASE NOTE. There is no nudity or bad language. HOORAY!!!!

HOPELESS ROMANTIC
It has all been said here by others!!
This is a great movie for all those who are hopelessly romantic. PLEASE PUT THIS ON DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Lame, Lame, Lame
Lame is the first word that came to mind as I was watching this all-star World War II morale booster. I really wanted to like it a lot more than I did, but the plot's framing device killed it for me. Robert Hutton plays a soldier on leave who visits the Hollywood Canteen with one hope ... to get a kiss from Joan Leslie, that All-American girl next door. He does, and a phony romance develops between them that pretty much ruins the film. It's oh-so-sweet and innocent and trite. Fortunately, there are some good moments that don't feature the wholesome couple. The film is populated by the best talent at Warner Brothers, mostly playing themselves. Dane Clark doesn't play Dane Clark, but instead Hutton's army buddy, and he supplies the film's humour as he tries to win over Ida Lupino, Alexis Smith, Joan Crawford, and Janis Paige. Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre have a short but terrific scene together where they use their sinister screen personas to great effect. There are some good musical numbers performed, along with other appearances by such classic stars as Jane Wyman, Barbara Stanwyck, Jack Carson, Dennis Morgan, Joe E. Brown, and the Hollywood Canteen's founders, Bette Davis and John Garfield. So although I did enjoy seeing so many great actors from yesteryear out of character for a change, I just wish that screenwriter and director Delmer Daves had come up with a better framing device to move the film along. Sixty years later it doesn't stand up very well, and I can't imagine that audiences back then really bought into it either.

FORTIES FUNFEST
HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN is among the more famous of the vast number of morale boosting films churned out by the studios during the second world war. The plot is so grotesquely fictious that it helps to rank the film as "high camp"! Robert Hutton is a lonely GI who wanders into the Hollywood Canteen in search of a glimpse of his dream woman, Joan Leslie. All the famous stars of the lot then conspire to have the young soldier meet Miss Leslie. Based on the same idea as THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS, it was nevertheless fairly successful at the box office in 1943. John Garfield and Bette Davis organised the Hollywood Canteen as a functional, practical place for the military men to go to while in L.A............A sort of Hollywood version of the USO club! The cast is a star-studded mixture the likes of which you're not likely to see again in a single film! The Andrews Sisters, Joan Crawford AND Bette Davis (they aren't in any scenes together!) - Barbara Stanwyck, Ida Lupino, Jane Wyman, Eddie Cantor, Kitty Carlisle, Eleanor Parker plus both the Jimmy Dorsey and Carmen Cavallaro Orchestras respectively. In the interim, several of them perform short bits for the huge audience of soldiers. If it's quality you want in entertainment with a slight touch of dramatic grace - here is a good example of what was considered - in its day - a rather distasteful show of Hollywood's sense of importance. Neither this or THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS will go down in history as being great movies .........I personally prefer the aforementioned......... But they are fascinating curios leftover from an historically important time.

The stars of Hollywood entertain the troops bound for WW2
"Hollywood Canteen" gives a chance for pretty much every talent under contract to Warner Brothers to entertain the troops before they go off to World War II. The plot, such as it is, has two soldiers, Slim (Robert Hutton) and Sergeant (Dane Clark), on sick leave and spending three fun filled nights at the Hollywood Canteen. Slim is the one-millionth soldier to enter the canteen so he gets a date with Joan Leslie, with whom he promptly falls in love. Meanwhile, Sergeant gets to dance with Joan Crawford. Canteen President Bette Davis and Vice-President John Garfield talk up the history of the place. But the main attraction is the entertainment. The Andrews Sisters, Roy Rogers, Kitty Carlisle and even Jane Wyman provide some of the songs, Joseph Szigeri and Jack Benny play the violin, Rosario and Antonio dance to "Voodoo Moon," and stars Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Henreid, Ida Lupino, Peter Lorre and the rest entertain the boys in their own way. Not quite as entertaining as "Stage Door Canteen," made in 1943 with Katharine Hepburn and mainly Broadway talent, this 1944 film written and directed by Delmer Davis also documents how the stars of stage and screen did their best for the War Effort.

They don't make em like that anymore!
This is a truly wonderful work! From the beginning, the movie grabs at American patriotism, pulling on the WWII heart strings. Offering an artful blend of romanticism with humor, it causes one to wish for better days when men were gentlemen and women were ladies. A must have for any collection! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Submarine Drama
Destination Tokyo is a fine dramatic action film about life aboard an American submarine during WWII that is sent on a mission that puts them into Tokyo Bay. Cary Grant stars as the captain who wishes he could be with his wife and children and who has the total respect of his crew. It's a good performance, not typical of the character that you expect to see Grant playing. Members of the crew include John Garfield, who has a story about every girl he's ever met; Dane Clark, an intense sailor with a reason for hating the enemy; and Alan Hale as the cook, providing much of the film's humour (as he often did in other movies). The film has a series of tense episodes, and mixes the drama and action well. Other than saying that it could have been shortened, the movie is quite good, and it must have had a strong impact on audiences during World War Two who were able to see what life on a submarine may have been like.

This Destination Is a Good Time
Delmer Davies's Destination Tokyo is very enjoyable WWII submarine action drama about a covert naval operation to scope out information for the aerial bombing of a primary Japanese naval yard. Starring a very charming Cary Grant as the sympathetic commanding officer and John Garfield as the girl obsessing crewman. Destination is very realistic in its depiction of submarine life and very watchable fifty-six years after its release. Though brimming with out-dated and silly comic relief, the contrived humor just adds to its considerable charm as a very watchable and dramatically engaging war film.A real gem of movie, Destination also has one of Grant's most unappreciated roles. Any fan of old war movies and Cary Grant can't go wrong buying this one.

You might be surprised.
A WWII sub film made during the war? Probably a jingoistic, even racist, bit of ma-and-apple-pie propaganda with woefully dated special effects. That much is true of Destination Tokyo, to be sure. From that angle, it's still an interesting bit of WWII-meets-Hollywood history, and its plot even ties into the famous Dolittle raid. (The film never calls the raid by that name, but it uses the actual footage of the bombers leaving the carrier Hornet, so it's all clear enough what the inspiration is if you know WWII history.)

Destinaton Tokyo is also a strong enough film in its own right as long as you can accept/stomach its propaganda aims. The action sequences are pretty exciting by the day's standards, and the nicely acted slice-of-life bits with the colorful crew are formulaic but quite entertaining nonetheless. They're often funny too, thanks to John Garfield's perpetually horny braggart character.

A Great Submarine Movie
Thankfully, this movie has NOT been colorized as mentioned in the format. It is presented in glorious black & white ... AS IT SHOULD BE !!!

Today is June 7th ... Let's see how long it takes Amazon to fix the description after receiving notification.

How to ruin a Fantastic motion picture
COLORIZE IT!!!! I have a problem in taking a wonderful action packed WWI sumbmarine movie with suspense, action, and more stars that you can count and totaly mess it up with someones interpertation of what something looks like in color. I bought the colorized movie by accident some years ago and it looked like a 5 year-old took a crayon and colored inside the frames. I returned it the next day. Keep B/W movies the way they were made. In the movie someone asks "Do prayers really work" and the reply was "I know they do", well I'm praying that the B/W version comes out VERY SOON!! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Western Hidden Treasure
Van Heflin stars as a struggling rancher who agrees to guard outlaw Glenn Ford for $200 as he is being escorted to jail in Yuma. Ford killed a stagecoach driver while robbing the coach, but he is backed by a loyal gang that everyone fears. Heflin is assisted by town drunk Henry Jones. There's a lot going on in this brief, tense western. The relationship between Heflin and Ford is really interesting, as Heflin finds more courage than we thought he had, and Ford makes his character almost likeable as he mentally works over his captor. There is also an interesting relationship between Heflin and his wife, quite complicated given their brief time together on screen. She seems to question his courage and strength of character. Director Delmer Daves gradually builds the tension, but never allows it to let-up, propelling the story to its exciting conclusion. The centerpiece of the film is the performances of the two stars. Ford, not a great actor as a rule, really digs into this character and makes him quite memorable, while Heflin, a favourite character actor of mine, is totally convincing as the beleaguered farmer, forced into the role of hero that he never wanted, but wants to prove he can handle. This may not be a very well known film, but it should be considered one of those hidden treasures that it's fun to unearth. Suspenseful, well written, with enough action and atmosphere to make it a classic western. Look for this one!

Stands equal to the very finest of the genre!
It may not display the the scenic effulgence of red painted buttes beneath a cereulian sky, as with the Searchers, or the impregnable fortress backdrop of the tetons,as with Shane, but its psychological intensity, deep character studies, and indefatigable suspense,makes 3:10 to Yuma just as praise-worthy as the former two. The austere black and white gives the film its dream-like ambiance (along with the strumming of morose guitar chordings in the background). The seemingly deserted town of contention brings a macabre feeling over the viewer,all the while the viewer builds an adrenaline rush(like one i have not even experienced with many modern thrillers.)At certain junctures of the film Daves directs the camera anglings so masterfully that the scenes are indelibly etched in the viewers mind(look for the scene in the hotel room where Ben Wade(ford)taunts and bribes Dan Evans (Van Heflin) the camera zooms in closer and closer to Evans anger contorted face.)This is a very unique western that stands out in the pletheora of oaters being produced in the 50s. Though it has been overlooked by serious western film critics (Who devote more time to the other classics of that decade: Shane,High Noon, The Searchers,Rio Bravo, and the Anthony Mann/Jimmy Stewart selections) 3:10 to Yuma deserves a closer look. Its sheer intensity and noir psychology exalt it,and i'am confident other viewers would concur, to a status worthy of one of the top ten in the genre. For me it is indubitably in the top four or five of the greatest westerns of all time. Pick this one up! Incredible!!!

Great pyschological western
3:10 to Yuma is an excellent pyschological western with a similar story to High Noon. The leader of a gang is captured by a posse after a robbery and must be transported to another town so he can be moved on the train. One of the local farmers, who is in desperate need of money, agrees to travel with him and watch him until he can be put on the train, the 3:10 to Yuma. All along the way, the outlaw plays mind games with the farmer trying to manipulate him into letting him go. There is plenty here for western fans. The dialogue between Glenn Ford and Van Heflin is the best part of the movie as they go back and forth between them while Ford plays his mindgames on the unwilling hero, Heflin.

Glenn Ford gives one of his best performances ever as Wade, the smooth-talking, calm, but ruthless gang leader. His character is perfect for this role, and could not have been done any better. Van Heflin is just as good as the poor farmer watching over Wade. It is easy to see the anger inside of him as Wade continues to push his buttons as they wait for the train. The rest of the cast includes many western actors, most notably Richard Jaeckel as Charlie, the right hand man of Wade who plays the slimy gunfighter throughout. It is great to see this movie on DVD, which includes the widescreen presentation. Western fans will love this great movie with an even better cast!

The Best Glenn Ford Film
I have been a fan of "3:10" since I was a kid. Every time it is on I have to watch it. It is compelling, beautiful and fascinating. This is a very powerful film for its time and stands up to today's standards. Glenn Ford is wonderful against type, a truly bad man, but able to charm the pants off the girls (literally) and becomes likable yet despicable. Van Heflin is excellent as well, both men play well off each other and we see without corniness the contrast between the two characters. The supporting cast includes some excellent talent, too, including Richard Jaeckle, Ford Rainey and others. This is a must see and a must own film, especially now that its on DVD, my VHS copy is all worn out...gee, I wonder why.

Seduction 101 courtesy of Glenn Ford
Well, this is how you handle women guys. (spoiler alert) First he has Felicia Farr drooling all over herself, and then while in handcuffs takes a run at Van Heflins wife. That is machismo at its best. Oh yeah, the rest of story. Well, Ford is quite simply the most charming, ruthless, manipulative, and mercurial bad guy in the history of the Western. Required viewing for Psych majors and fledgling seduction artists.

The DVD transfer is excellent in widescreen and the sound is terrific...if you fast forward past one of Hollywood's worst theme songs "...I hear a ruma, when you take the 3:10 to Yuma, you can see the ghosts of outlaws riding by, way up high, in the skyyyyyyyyyy..." Have a pie, in your eye! Jeez, pretty funny though. Great movie, I don't want to talk about the ending...I mean I really don't want to talk about it. Didn't they have a jail in that town? Otis Campbell must have already checked in or something. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

THRILLING NOIR GETS ROYAL TREATMENT ON DVD
"Dark Passage" is the last time Bogart and Bacall were teamed together on screen. The resulting film noir was not a box office sensation when it originally hit theaters, perhaps in part due