Red River

Red River
1948- United Artists
Directed by Howard Hawks



SYNOPSIS

A man with a dream of building a cattle ranch (John Wayne) and his buddy (Walter Brennan) leave a wagon train bound for California. Heading to Texas, the two encounter a teenage boy who joins them. They cross the Red River and set up shop in Texas.
Cut to 14 years later where the boy has grown up (Montgomery Clift) and has just returned from the civil war. The war has devastated the cattle market in Texas and Wayne's character has decided to drive his now large collection of cattle to Missouri, to greener pastures (sorry.)
Stampedes and bad weather cause problems along the way. Some men quit. When they are brought back. Wayne orders them hanged. This triggers a coup, which leaves Clift in charge and Wayne out. Clift delivers the cattle for a good price... but Wayne is hot on his tail and that leads to an epic confrontation.

MY THOUGHTS

John Wayne give gives a strong performance. He is often belittled for playing essentially the same character in virtually every film he did, and this is no different. But he that role is perfect for this.
Clift gives a solid performance in his screen debut and hints of greater things to come (which did.)
The film is like a character actor greatest hits collection. Walter Brennan, Harry Carey Sr. AND Jr., Noah Beery Jr., Paul Fix, John Ireland all appear.

The 3-strip Technicolor process is similar to "The Adventures of Robin Hood" in that it gives to film a very child's illustrated storybook-like feel, and a sense of timelessness.

The direction of Howard Hawks is excellent as always. He's the man who gave us everything from the original "Scarface" to "The Big Sleep" to "Rio Bravo." His direction here equals those masterpieces.

One of the big screen's most enduring stars, a bevy of great supporting players and one of the best directors in history make this a definite classic.