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July 7, 2014

Movie Review: "Two Rode Together" (1961; Columbia Pictures/Twilight Time)

...often times, even without the grapevine sensationalism, those privy to the behind-the-scenes 'making of' stories, hear tell about how difficult this or that star was to work with, or how difficult this or that director was to work with...even situations and productions where the performers and filmmakers genuinely went out of their way to actually make things difficult,,,make things uneasy and unpredictable. And yet, despite such difficulties, some absolutely wonderful films have been derived...a testament to the overall professionalism of those in front of the camera, as we as behind. Such was the case, with regards to the actors and filmmakers, whom have had the initial displeasure, then ultimate satisfaction with working with famed and renowned filmmaker, John Ford. Antagonistic. Keeping his performers out of the loop, as far as letting them know what he wanted, or what he expected...taking his frustrations out on his performing entourage...making those under his direction, uneasy, wary and suspicious of each other...this was his style, and despite such erratic instability of direction, the best of classic Hollywood nonetheless flocked to work with him...actors, like John Wayne, Henry Fonda and James Stewart...the latter of which collaborated with Ford on three of the greatest westerns set to celluloid...1964's "Cheyenne Autumn", 1962's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", and the slightly lesser, though no less compelling, sweeping 1961 western drama...their initial pairing..."Two Rode Together", which herein is given the exclusive 'Twilight Time' treatment...

...despite a seasoned and well-respected past...a past which he'd rather dismiss, on grounds of what did it do for him...Marshal Guthrie McCabe (Stewart) has happily resigned himself to a lackadaisical, self-serving, financial opportunist life, having partial and quite profitable stake in his town's dusty saloon, in addition to his 'oh, by the way' marshal duties. That self-serving contentedness becomes pre-empted, albeit redirected, when he is reluctantly called upon...or rather, is drafted in assisting the army on a mission to rescue the relatives and offspring of townsfolk, who have long been abducted by warring Comanche savages, and presumably lost, or inducted into the fold of the Indian tribe. With the promise of great reward, and accompanied by his best friend, Lieutenant Jim Gary (Richard Widmark), McCabe...who's being tasked, as the result of his reputed amiable relations with the Comanche, in the past...initiates unstable negotiations of trade with the neighboring Comanche tribe, after confirming a handful of presumed townsfolk...under duress, or converted...amongst the Indian populous...
...despite much needed guns being part of the trade negotiations, dangerous complications ensue, with certain Comanche unwilling to surrender their captives, and some of the captives unwilling to break from their confinement; despite these obstacles, the captives...willing and unwilling...are escorted back to the town, where...for one reason or another...are rejected by the townsfolk, which creates even more complications for Marshal McCabe, who only wants the financial comeuppance, promised him, as the result of his mission. Will the townsfolk find a peaceful solace, in reuniting with their long-lost loved ones?? Will the returned captives find new life, despite certain rejection??  Will Marshal McCabe finally find something better to live for, than merely the angst of his fellow man, and the pursuit & exploitation of financial gain??...

...of course, those savvy to the great American western film genre, know very well that director John Ford previously explored similar situations and issues, albeit on a much more grim and darker level, with his classic period western, 1956's "The Searchers", starring John Wayne; however, with "Two Rode Together", the subject matter appears more happenstance, in favor of the character interaction, though no less poignant and provocative to the event's actual history. Behind-the-scenes talk, with regards to the making of the film, suggests that Ford himself considered the storyline tired & well-worn (...not surprising, considering he'd already covered that arena), and in parallel reflection of the film's main character, took up the directorial assignment, strictly for the paycheck. However, even Ford's 'phone in' direction of the film, still manges to make for a most compelling and intriguing character study...which is where "Two Rode Together" works best...
...it's rare that James Stewart is seen, taking on a character role, which is questionable, as far as attitude and self-serving motivation; however, it is the freshness of seeing him in such a cynical and morally corrupt role, which makes his performance as Marshal McCabe, all the more interesting. In fact, as one might study his character with such interest and intrigue, one cannot help but want to know more about him...the full backstory behind his seasoned presence...the neutral and successfully negotiative interactions he once conducted with the Indians, which graced him with the reputation he carries...and the 'what' and 'why', as to the events that eventually transpired, which gave cause for him to discardedly assume a life of wayward angst and self-centeredness. In contrast, actor Richard Widmark...who also at one time, transitioned from one typical kind of character he often played, to an opposing other, though in his case, from more villainous and unscrupulous, to more heroic and embraceably charismatic...plays Marshal McCabe's best friend, Army Lieutenant Gary, and the voice of reason, between the two...even though the character is often frustratingly hard-pressed herein, to get his life-long friend to listen to that voice. Although there to loyally and dedicatedly back up the marshal, when things get serious, one can most assured tell that Lieutenant Gary sees a much better person, within his lackadaisical law-appointed friend, than what Marshal McCabe is willing to admit to...
...heartfelt in depiction, actress Shirley Jones is cast as Martha Purcell, one of the tragically lovelorn members of the town, who believes that her long-lost brother is one of the captives of the Comanche Indian tribe; she holds onto hope, in one day reuniting with her sibling...her only tie, a carefully preserved music box, which figures quite poignantly, and tragically, in the final act of the ensuing drama. Her heartfelt loss, and devotion to her faith, catches the sympathizing attention of Lieutenant Gary, who fumbles and mumbles about her, affectionately, like a schoolboy with a crush. Equally heartfelt is actress Linda Cristal's moving performance as the Hispanic Elena, one of the outsider captives, long inducted in the Comanche tribe, who in being rescued from captivity, finds little happiness in returning to the town that once bred her...with the townspeople blatantly berating her, and rejecting her presence, believing that she would have been better off killing herself, than surrendering her humanity to a tribe of savages...savages, who ironically afforded her a greater sense of respect and belonging...
...this is assuredly one of Twilight Time's better transfers...very crisp and colorful looking 1:85:1 ratio presentation. The sound is also quite sharp, distinct and tonal; though this particular western excursion hardly has guns a-blazin', the aural sharpness of the surrounding background environment, as prerequisite of the film's period setting, is quite engaging, and beautifully accents the frontal events and character engagement, as they are presented...
...falling short the peak of greatness, as far as this initial John Ford/James Stewart pairing goes (...that honor rightfully goes to '62's "...Liberty Valance"), "Two Rode Together" nonetheless remains quite engaging, moving and bittersweet...a rousing testament to performers and filmmakers, who might not have gotten along, behind-the-scenes, but still respected each other enough to work amiably together, in realizing one of the best films, the classic western genre has to offer...Definitely Recommended.....

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