Three men are stranded in a tiny Mexican town when the ship they are on that is bound for California (during the Gold Rush) breaks down and they must wait for it to be repaired (which will take weeks). While in a cantina, these men (Gary Cooper, Richard Widmark and Cameron Mitchell) are approached by a frantic Susan Hayward who is trying to recruit men to follow her into Apache territory to rescue her husband who is trapped following a mining accident. Only these three men and a rather disreputable Mexican agree to go with her after promises of $2000 each for their services.
Along the way, it is slowly (and not unexpectedly) revealed that several of these men have larcenous intent and may be untrustworthy. This entire portion of the film seemed very ordinary and took very few risks--making it seem a lot like many other films of the genre (such as Cooper's THEY CAME TO CORDURA). Additionally, it unfolded rather slowly--so slowly that some may decide to just stop watching. This is sad because the last portion of the film works very well. Here, Gary Cooper and Richard Widmark are given good opportunity to finally flesh out their characters.
Overall, this is a slightly better than average Western. A good film for lovers of the genre, but rather skip-able to anyone else. However, the acting is good all around and the film ended well, so it's well worth a look.
By the way, one review says "where's the DVD?"--It was released some time back. Currently, it's bundled with two other Westerns (one, THE GUNFIGHTER, is amazing and worth the cost alone). Additionally, when I bought it, it came with these two other films AND several Mike Shayne detective films--all for about $12!! It's an amazing offer.
Along the way, it is slowly (and not unexpectedly) revealed that several of these men have larcenous intent and may be untrustworthy. This entire portion of the film seemed very ordinary and took very few risks--making it seem a lot like many other films of the genre (such as Cooper's THEY CAME TO CORDURA). Additionally, it unfolded rather slowly--so slowly that some may decide to just stop watching. This is sad because the last portion of the film works very well. Here, Gary Cooper and Richard Widmark are given good opportunity to finally flesh out their characters.
Overall, this is a slightly better than average Western. A good film for lovers of the genre, but rather skip-able to anyone else. However, the acting is good all around and the film ended well, so it's well worth a look.
By the way, one review says "where's the DVD?"--It was released some time back. Currently, it's bundled with two other Westerns (one, THE GUNFIGHTER, is amazing and worth the cost alone). Additionally, when I bought it, it came with these two other films AND several Mike Shayne detective films--all for about $12!! It's an amazing offer.