Senator William J. Tadlock (Kirk Douglas) enlists the help of veteran scout Dick Summers (Robert Mitchum) to lead a wagon train of settlers from Missouri to Oregon in this plodding, routine western. A scared settler accidently shoots an Indian boy who is mistaken for a wolf, prompting Summers to order newlywed triggerman Johnny Mack (Michael Witney) to be hanged to avoid an Indian attack. Sally Field appears in her first big-screen role as the slatternly Mercy McBee. Dan Pavlides, Rovi
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Senator William J. Tadlock (Kirk Douglas) enlists the help of veteran scout Dick Summers (Robert Mitchum) to lead a wagon train of settlers from Missouri to Oregon in this plodding, routine western. A scared settler accidently shoots an Indian boy who is mistaken for a wolf, prompting Summers to order newlywed triggerman Johnny Mack (Michael Witney) to be hanged to avoid an Indian attack. Sally Field appears in her first big-screen role as the slatternly Mercy McBee. Dan Pavlides, Rovi
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Add this copy of The Way West to cart. $23.05, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2023 by Mgm Mod.
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Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, Richard Widmark, Lola Albright, Jack Elam, Stubby Kaye, Harry Carey, William Lundigan, Sally... New. 2023 Buy with confidence-Satisfaction Guaranteed! Delivery Confirmation included for all orders in the US.
Add this copy of The Way West to cart. $23.39, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2023 by Mgm Mod.
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Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, Richard Widmark, Lola Albright, Jack Elam, Stubby Kaye, Harry Carey, William Lundigan, Sally... New. 2023 Buy with confidence-Satisfaction Guaranteed! Delivery Confirmation included for all orders in the US.
Add this copy of The Way West to cart. $27.79, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2023 by Mgm Mod.
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Richard Widmark, Lola Albright, Jack Elam, Stubby Kaye, Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, Harry Carey, William Lundigan, Sally... New. 2023 Buy with confidence-Satisfaction Guaranteed! Delivery Confirmation included for all orders in the US.
Add this copy of The Way West [Blu-ray] to cart. $69.62, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2023 by United Artists.
Andrew McLagen directed this 1967 big-budget film which adapted A.B. Guthrie's Pulitzer-Prize winning novel "The Way West". The film featured a large, stellar cast. with Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, and Richard Widmark and tells the story of pioneers who travel from Independence, Missouri in 1843 by covered wagon to Oregon. The expedition is led by the hard-driving former Senator William Tadlock,(Kirk Douglas) who antagonizes the travelling party with his harshness and inflexibility. Dick Summers (Robert Mitchum), a character who appears in other Guthrie novels, is the aging trapper who reluctantly agrees to serve as the guide for the pioneers. Ljie Evans (Richard Widmark) is one of the pioneers who is a rival of Tadlock for the role of group leader.
The film shows many of the harrowing events faced by the pioneers in their 1800 mile journey west, including the harsh and unknown terrain, Indians, accidents, and internal dissension. The film also shows everyday life on the trail, including a romance between Evans' teenage son Brownie (Michael McGreevey) and the flirtatious Mercy McBee (Sally Field in her first film).
The film succeeds in part in showing the trials faced by the pioneers and their courage and perseverance in reaching their destination. Although the cinematography is spectacular with its sweeping scenes of mountains, deserts, rivers, and deep valleys, it draws attention away from the story. The movie is well-acted by the three leading characters as well as by the supporting cast. Unfortunately, the film drags and doesn't maintain the viewer's interest. With some good moments, it is a slow, lackluster production which tends to be trite and to fall into cliches.
Still, I am glad I had the opportunity to see this film. I have become interested in classic westerns and I greatly admire Guthrie. There is something to be learned from watching films even when they are largely unsuccessful. "The Way West" has its moments in celebrating American pioneers. The movie is worth seeing for those with a strong interest in westerns even though in many ways it is a disappointment.
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