Four Faces West (1948)

Wow! Such a good movie.

Fresh and Exciting

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Copyright 21 May 1948 by Harry Sherman Pictures, Inc. Released through United Artists Pictures. New York opening at the Globe: 3 August 1948. U.S. release: 15 May 1948. U.K. release through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: 21 February 1949. Australian release through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: 24 February 1949. 8,196 feet. 91 minutes. (Available on an excellent Republic Pictures DVD).U.K. and Australian release title: THEY PASSED THIS WAY.COMMENT: A western that admirably captures the unique atmosphere and flavor of the original novel, thanks not only to its engrossing script but breathtaking location photography, efficient direction, and most capable acting. Production values are "A" plus.Expansively produced with extensive location filming, beautifully photographed and stylishly directed (yes, Virginia, old Alfred E. can be stylish when he has the mind - which admittedly is none too often), They Passed This Way is a treat for western and non-western fans alike. The atmosphere of the novel is superbly captured with all its irony (McCrea robbing the bank just a few yards away from a rostrum on which Pat Garrett, of all people, is delivering a lecture on law and order) and religious overtones (McCrea rides a white horse branded with a chalice. He is sheltering under the Blood. But when he chases the horse away, he is immediately bitten by a rattle-snake/serpent) intact. The whole theme of the novel - "Nothing worthwhile is achieved without sacrifice," a line spoken by Nurse Dee - is vividly and indelibly realized. Nonetheless, it takes more than a worthwhile theme to make a picture really great. What's needed are memorable and fascinating characters - and that's what we have here. In spades. McCrea and Bickford are perfectly cast. McCrea does a wonderful job building up sympathy, whilst Bickford makes his Garrett a marvelous contrast. Miss Dee emerges a little colorlessly, but the support cast, headed by Joseph Calleia, is absolutely first-rate. Even the smallest roles are expertly played. The script comes across as a model of what screenwriting should be. The dialogue rings with plenty of bite and even humor; while the plot moves forward with taut precision, yet engages plenty of action.

A decent man facing a desperate situation robs a bank and leaves an IOU. This is a strange Western in that not a single gunshot is fired or a punch thrown. It is not dull, however. There is enough action to keep it interesting, but the script, based on a novel by Western specialist Manlove (cool name) Rhodes, seems to be all over the place, including a hokey episode involving a dying Mexican family. McCrea is as earnest as ever as the hero (why he robbed the bank is not really explained) and gets to ride a cow across the desert! Dee (real-life Mrs. McCrea) makes a comely love interest. There are good performances from Bickford and Calleia.

The musical score reminds me very, very much of Howard Hanson's "Romantic Symphony," a favorite of mine. Anyone else notice the similarity? This is a beautiful little film, notable for its sympathetic characters, beautiful B&W cinematography, and gentle story (somewhat weepy).The actors are quite good, especially Chares Bickford, who appeared in "Johnny Belinda" at about the same year, as Jane Wyman's father. Mrs. McCrae has an almost expressionless face, which is not good. Her husband is as handsome as ever.

That's a tone which suits the film's unflappable star, Joel McCrea, fairly well. McCrea is a Good Samaritan bandit on the run.He meets up with his real-life wife, Frances Dee. This is the last time they would appear on screen together. Here she gives one of her least expressionless performances. Her acting may not be of the first calibre, or even the second, but she still looks wonderful for someone on, or quickly approaching, the seasoned side of 40.William Conrad plays a baritonal lawman here. Was this before or after he was radio's Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke"?"Four Faces West" is not without its problems. The entire story has an air of nebulous implausibility which betrays its Saturday Evening Post origins.But, while the movie generates little excitement, it's still a pleasant enough way to spend a siesta some lazy Sunday afternoon.