Bend of the River
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bend of the River | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Directed by | Anthony Mann |
| Produced by | Aaron Rosenberg Frank Cleaver |
| Written by | Borden Chase |
| Starring | James Stewart Arthur Kennedy Julie Adams Rock Hudson |
| Music by | Hans J. Salter |
| Cinematography | Irving Glassberg |
| Editing by | Russell F. Schoengarth |
| Distributed by | MGM |
| Release date(s) | February 13, 1952 |
| Running time | 91 min. |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
Bend of the River is a 1952 American western movie directed by Anthony Mann and starring James Stewart in their second collaboration.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
In the days after the end of the American Civil War, remorseful former outlaw Glyn McLyntock (Jimmy Stewart) is scouting for a wagon train of settlers to Oregon. While he is checking the trail ahead, he rescues Emerson Cole (Arthur Kennedy) from being lynched for stealing a horse. Cole, who unabashedly admits to the crime, thinks he's heard of McLyntock, but doesn't pursue the subject. One of the pioneers in the wagon train is the eligible Laurie Baile (Julie Adams). That night, they are attacked by a small war party of Indians. McLyntock and Cole go out to deal with them; Cole saves McLyntock's life in the process. However, Laurie is seriously injured by an arrow.
When they reach Portland, Oregon, Laurie remains there to recover. Cole also leaves the party, partly because he is attracted to her and partly because of the opportunities to make money. The rest, including McLyntock, go on to establish a settlement in the wilderness, first arranging to have supplies they need for the winter to be sent on later.
With winter fast approaching, they begin to worry when the promised supplies don't show up. McLyntock and Jeremy Baile (Jay C. Flippen), the leader of the settlers, go to investigate; they find that a gold rush has driven up prices enormously and their greedy supplier has decided to sell to the highest bidder. Cole helps McLyntock round up some men to load the food and take it back to the settlement. Laurie joins them.
On the way, the hired men begin thinking about how much miners, who are also without food for the winter, would pay for their cargo. Cole can't resist the temptation of all that money and doublecrosses his friend, but doesn't kill him. That proves to be a mistake. McLyntock tracks them down and takes the supplies back, with the assistance of Jeremy, Laurie and gambler Trey Wilson (Rock Hudson). In a climactic fistfight in the river, McLyntock kills Cole.
[edit] Analysis
McLyntock's history during the Kansas-Missouri border war haunts him throughout the film. Implications of McLyntock's crimes are never fully explored, but McLyntock seems earnest in his wish to be forgiven for his past misdeeds. The subtle theme of this film is one of redemption. A man can change his life, no matter what horribly bloody and murdurous acts he may have committed. The most poignant scene of the film involves McLyntock showing Laurie the rope burns he bears from a hanging attempt.
This film displays the 1950's American fantasy of the domestic goddess. Laurie not only remains stunningly attractive despite the rigors of the journey, but also, as McLyntock approvingly observes, makes "good biscuits" as well.
[edit] James Stewart and Anthony Mann
James Stewart starred in five classic western movies by director Anthony Mann. In all five, he plays a man who is haunted by the past. The films are famous for their groundbreaking use of the landscape to portray the characters feelings.
- Winchester '73 (1950)
- Bend of the River (1952)
- The Naked Spur (1953)
- The Man from Laramie (1955)
- The Far Country (1955)
[edit] Cast
James Stewart as Glyn McLyntock
Arthur Kennedy as Emerson Cole
Julie Adams as Laura Baile
Rock Hudson as Trey Wilson, a professional gambler
Lori Nelson as Marjie Baile
Jay C. Flippen as Jeremy Baile
Chubby Johnson as Cap'n Mello
Harry Morgan as Shorty
Royal Dano as Long Tom
