THE FAR COUNTRY (1954)

When the film opens we find Stewart as a rough outdoorsman who's been running some cattle up to Alaska.  The law don't take too kindly to the fact that he had to kill two of his men who tried to run off with the cows.  Stuff happens and next thing you know Stewart and his partners (Walter Brennan and Jay C. Flippen) are in a remote gold mining town where the local crooked sheriff (John McIntire) ain't above just straight up killing people in cold blood in order to steal their gold.

Anthony Mann and Jimmy Stewart's fourth western collaboration might have had a great cast, but I didn't care too much for the story.  Stewart's character is too much of an asshole to root for and the action moved around too much.  One minute we're fighting the law, then the next digging gold, then there's an avalanche, then stealing some cows, shoot out in a bar, shoot out in the street.  Sounds exciting, but it was all too jumbled up for me.  Worth a watch since it's still a good movie, but not one that I'm going to be revisiting any time soon.

Mann - Stewart westerns:

WINCHESTER '73
BEND OF THE RIVER
THE NAKED SPUR
THE MAN FROM LARAMIE

BEND OF THE RIVER (1952)

Anthony Mann and James Stewart's next western after their fantastic WINCHESTER '73 finds Stewart as a scout helping some settlers up Portland way.  Stewart has a past he's trying to outrun but it catches up with him when he comes upon some guys lynching a dude (Arthur Kennedy) out in the woods.  Ends up Kennedy has heard of Stewart and knows that he used to be a gunman for some raiders.  Fast-forward some and Stewart is having problems getting supplies up to the new settlement, so he takes the law into his own hands and just takes the supplies that rightfully belong to him.  Gunfire ensues along with an exciting chase across all kinds of inhospitable territory.  Even some starving gold miners get in on the action!

Beautiful scenery, awesome cast, great acting, fast pace, strong story and direction.  I really can't think of a single reason not to watch this if you're a western fan.  Check it out!

Mann - Stewart westerns:

WINCHESTER '73
THE NAKED SPUR
THE FAR COUNTRY
THE MAN FROM LARAMIE

Aunt Bee.