bonyoldrajah Posted December 15, 2007 Share Posted December 15, 2007 I think "Red River" (1948) is the most overrated "famous" Western movie I've ever seen. Aside from its impressive cattle-drive production values, it stinks. Plot/storyline: uninspired; yawn-inducing. The script also is littered with merciless, undercutting jabs at human happiness (e.g. Harry Carey Jr's good guy can dream sweet dreams, but so what; kill him--and do so roughly, in a stampede) as well as capitalism (i.e. property rights can be violated if you feel like it). Dialogue: god-awful dumb. Direction: plodding. Hawks proves once again--and he often does--that he's one of classic cinema's most aggravatingly self-indulgent directors. Characterization/character development/casting/acting: overwhelmingly unconvincing--especially, and horribly, so for Joanne Dru's character (e.g. her romantic interaction with Clift's character is completely implausible.) Thomas Dunson is also one of Duke Wayne's least appealing and convincing roles. Casting of Montgomery Clift resulted in yet another unconvincing portrayal: he lacks a prepossessing presence necessary for his role and seems transparently insecure. Walter Brennan's performance as "bitching, but lovable" side-kick is one-note, hackneyed, and routine (compare his more inspired version of the same in "Rio Bravo"). To all enthusiastic fans of the Western movie genre who regard "Red River" as one of the "all-time greats": are you kiddin'? Your standards must carry the following brand: L-O-W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movieman1957 Posted December 15, 2007 Share Posted December 15, 2007 What is your most underrated (as hell) western? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonyoldrajah Posted December 16, 2007 Author Share Posted December 16, 2007 Here follows my list of Westerns (with significant merits) that I think are either underrated or unsung: Kit Carson (1940) w/Jon Hall, Lynn Bari Northwest Stampede (1948) w/James Craig, Joan Leslie Along the Great Divide (1951) w/Kirk Douglas, Walter Brennan Golden Girl (1951) w/Dale Robertson, Mitzi Gaynor Man from the Alamo, The (1953) w/Glenn Ford, Julia Adams Far Horizons, The (1955) w/Charlton Heston, Donna Reed Last Frontier, The (1955) w/Victor Mature, Anne Bancroft Man Without a Star (1955) w/Kirk Douglas, Jeanne Crain Many Rivers to Cross (1955) w/Robert Taylor, Eleanor Parker Fastest Gun Alive, The (1956) w/Glenn Ford, Jeanne Crain Law and Jake Wade, The (1958) w/Robert Taylor, Richard Widmark Stalking Moon, The (1968) w/Gregory Peck, Eva Marie Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movieman1957 Posted December 17, 2007 Share Posted December 17, 2007 I've only seen about half the list but I agree with those. "The Man From The Alamo" I thought gave an interesting turn on the main character. Been awhile but I've seen it listed on the Westerns channel recently. "The Law and Jake Wade" is one I'm looking forward to later this month. Really like Widmark. My favorite of your list is "The Fastest Gun Alive." I think Ford is quite good in this one. He gives unusual depth to his character. The only problem I have is with Crawford's obsession about the whole thing. All in all it is a terrific movie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redriver Posted December 17, 2007 Share Posted December 17, 2007 Given my pseudonym, I feel obligated to respond. I love this movie. But you have a point. It has glaring flaws that I overlook in favor of the good points. An appealing atmosphere, well drawn characters, the most beautiful cinematography I've ever seen. Hawks loved the "interacting in the work place" scenario, and he depicted it expertly. In HIS GIRL FRIDAY, THE THING, and most notably, RED RIVER. Wayne, Clift, and especially the supporting players, bring life and nuance to a likeable bunch of cowpokes. The cattle scenes have an intensity that makes me feel the pressure and the excitement intended. I don't dispute that the love interest is obligatory and incredible. But it adds a level to the story, and provides yet another complication. I can live with it. ****************SPOILER ALERT****************** The big problem is the "kiss and make up" ending. Two tough guys, one of them consumed with resentment, undergo a change of heart because a pretty girl yells at them. It's silly and insulting. Almost certainly tagged on at the insistence of studio executives. Detractors of this otherwise great western get no challenge from me on this point. But I like the rest of it so much, I pretend I didn't see it. If there's a difference between a great movie and a perfect one, RED RIVER is a great one. Flaws and all, it's as entertaining as anything out there. RR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonyoldrajah Posted December 17, 2007 Author Share Posted December 17, 2007 A well-written, thoughtful reply, redriver, and I enjoyed reading it even though I'm "south pole" on the film and you're closer to "north." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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