lrrap
DON'T BE DISCOURAGED, guys---"Westward the Women" is as intense and harrowing as any film from Hollywood's Golden Age, and is so well written, directed and photographed, that you feel as if you are a part of this rugged, dangerous journey, especially after the brutal, unyielding (and very reluctant) Robert Taylor ends up driving off the men who have signed on to guard the wagon train, leaving the women alone with him to face the elements, the terrain, AND the maruading Indian tribes.But these are no ordinary, stereotypical Hollywood women, and I predict that anyone who appreciates great film-making will find themslves entirely engrossed in their story....a story, incidentally, written by none other than FRANK CAPRA. So you can be sure that the HUMANITY quotient is very high indeed in this intimate yet epic drama.My only reservation is the obligatory romantic subplot between Robert Taylor and Denise Darcel, which occasionally distracts from the main story. And, yes, the comic relief scenes with Ito, the Japanese cook, do get a bit tiresome. But the vast majority of the film is a powerful testament to the courage and endurance of 19th-Century American women, with actress Hope Emerson---against all expectations--practically STEALING THE SHOW as the emotional "fortress" and Mother Earth figure of the intrepid band.Other than the lovely opening and closing musical theme (sung by a female chorus which still, in 1951, maintains that classic "heavenly" sound from Hollywood's Golden Age), there is NO MUSIC in the film, until the action specifically requires it in the final scene----and what a scene it is. I swear....when that little dance orchestra goes into "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes", I have to fight back the tears, every time. I wish that we would see a bit more of these wonderful ladies that we have to come to love and admire during this final scene (and a little LESS of the star romantic couple) but, again, it's a minor quibble.A first-rate film experience.
LR
MartinHafer
Between 1930 and 1960, 97% of all movies (that's 14729239520520 films) were westerns--or so it would seem. And, sadly, almost all of them have one of about five different plots and variations on these plots. Because of this, I really have very little patience with the genre--though I must admit that I have reviewed quite a few westerns. The ones I like are often ones that are somehow a bit better--despite the familiar plots, fine acting and direction make them watchable. Rarely, very rarely, do I see one that not only has fine acting, direction AND a novel plot--and all that is in "Westward the Women".The film begins in a remote part of the old west--so remote that there are no women for all the men. Because of this, the men hire a tough trail boss (Robert Taylor) to recruit the women and bring them toa small outpost. The problem, however, is that the only way is a long trek across the prairie--through Indian land and desert. These women sure have to be tough--otherwise they'll never make it. And, in fact, unlike any other western I can think of, many of the women DON'T.What also makes this a very good film are the nice little characters within the film. So it's NOT just a Robert Taylor film but excels because of the fine ensemble cast. One of the standouts is Hope Emerson--a brawny actress who made a name for herself playing gangsters and other scary characters.Overall, there's not a lot to dislike about the film and it's a nice little story about American history you don't normally hear. Worth seeing and a top-notch production--with a real lump-in-your-throat ending. Sweet, sentimental and exciting.
doug-balch
This is a good movie. Worth watching.Here's what I liked:Unique female theme. In the vast majority of Westerns, the female roles are blatantly gratuitous. This movie puts a group of strong, independent women at the center of the film and stays with them to the end. This movie is a real contribution to the genre for that reason.Even though the rest of the "tough wagon train crossing" theme is clichéd, at least there are no gaping plot holes and all the characters and their motivations are consistent. Wellman knows how to tell a logical story and not leave any loose ends lying around.Rod Taylor is once again solid as the charismatic lead. He's doesn't play so much the "super scout" as the "tough wagon train boss".Great pains were taken to film in a variety of stunning Western landscapes and vistas. Hardly any sound stage scenes.Very sad scene where a little boy is shot dead by accidental "friendly fire" while the women are being trained to use a rifle. It's amazing that with all the bullets flying around in every Western we watch, more characters aren't killed by accident. Reminded me of "The Proud Ones" where a character finally gets a concussion from being struck on the head with the butt of a pistol.Here's what was not so great:The only comic relief comes from a very stereotyped Japanese character.Indians only appear briefly, and then as clichéd faceless "others' whose sole purpose to attack a circled wagon train and kill good guys, or girls in this case.As mentioned above, except for the dominant women, script didn't depart an iota from the standard wagon train crossing movie.Black and white film severely detracts from the quality of the scenery.
lthunderrider
This movie was excellent. I have owned it on VHS for many years, and have watched it over and over again. I am going to have to order it again, because I am afraid it is going to wear out and I don't want to be without it. The characters were excellent and it most likely captured the hardships that women faced on wagon trains during that era. It is an exciting and moving film from beginning to end. Westerns have always been my favorites and this one is my favorite by far. I own many black/white movies on VHS and now many of them are available on DVD. I am currently updating my collection to DVD's as they are available. I agree with John from New Mexico and it is now available on DVD. Dorothy from Beckley, WV
AD
