Rent Red River (1948)

The most epic film about cows - Red River review by HW

I’ve forgotten how spectacular this epic western is: ambitious sequences of cattle driving, Indian attacks and a sweeping plot of romance and revenge to match the majestic landscapes. The performances are all impressive, especially John Wayne in yet another example of the surprising range he had when he was younger. He plays the conflicted, tyrannical aged cattle baron Thomas Dunson; pushing his outfit on a seemingly impossible, desperate drive from Texas to Missouri. This leads to locking horns with his adopted son Matthew, played by a striking-looking Montgomery Clift. There’s also humour, mainly from Walter Brennan as yet another elderly, adorable sidekick. Coleen Gray gives an impressive range as the card-sharp female lead; from cool to passionate as she tries to calm the burning feud between Thomas and Matthew. In my book, ‘Red River’ certainly earns its place among the ranks of western classics. 

ClassicWestern. - Red River review by Steve

Howard Hawks' legendary western is bursting with points of interest, but there are many flaws too. It is an archetypal cowboy story as a group of men move cattle from Texas to Abilene after the Civil War. John Wayne has built his huge cattle empire up from the dirt, and must transport the stock through 'Indian' country with Montgomery Clift, the foundling he brought up as a son.

Wayne assumes the role of law and order among his men, enforced by his gun. It was a breakthrough for Duke; a complex role which he fortunately elects to underplay rather than go the whole Captain Bligh. Clift emerges as a star in his debut role, as the boy who takes over the cattle drive. In the early scenes, Hawks seems to have Clift and John Ireland sparking like Bogart and Bacall.

But there is plenty of evidence of a troubled production. Ireland just disappears after a promising start. The later episodes are badly scripted and the plot resolves poorly (with a typical Hollywood ending). Joanne Dru's character and dialogue are disasters and she's not good enough to salvage such a terrible role.

There is an impression of the vast interior and its many dangers. The photography and score are excellent. While Wayne is obviously at home in the skin of his western archetype, it's Clift that makes the greater impact. It's a generational film (James Dean stole Monty's performance). Clift is an exciting, unconventional presence and must be the quickest on draw in all Hollywood.