Bend Of The River cover art

Bend Of The River Reviews

1952 Certificate PG
  • 70
  • from 646 members

The second of the terrific Stewart/Mann westerns is characteristic of their pairings: adult themes played out against prairie vistas in which betrayal and violence can erupt at any time. Formerly a vicious Missouri raider, Stewart now leads a wagon train through Indian raids and hijackings to the new boom town of Portland where .. Read more

Starring James Stewart, Arthur Kennedy, Julie Adams, Rock Hudson
Director Anthony Mann
Genres Action/Adventure

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  • Critics' reviews (3) of Bend Of The River

    View all
  • 4 stars out of 5

    Originally known in the UK as Where the River Bends, this is a magnificent western, one of a superb postwar series of films starring James Stewart and directed by Anthony Mann. The series, beginning with Winchester '73, gave new credibility to Stewart's screen image, replacing that gawky loveability with an unforgettable character with a spine of steel. Here, Stewart plays a wagon train scout trying to hide his past, pitted against former partner Arthur Kennedy in a story that takes on the dimensions of Greek tragedy. Watch, too, for an early star-making performance from a young Rock Hudson, who forms a bond with reformed outlaw Stewart. This is a satisfying work, with action sequences and performances that repay several viewings.

    • Radio Times
  • Mann's finest Western casts Stewart as a wagon train leader, guiding a group of settlers through Indian country to the... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • 1 stars out of 4

    Good standard Western with pace and period feeling but not much plot sense.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • Most helpful members' reviews (3) of Bend Of The River

    View all
  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5.0 stars

    A must for Jimmy Stewart Fans.

    exceptionally good film, being a fan

    of James Stewart, I was not disappointed.

      • A customer from Coleford, England
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3.0 stars

    Well made!

    Very well made for it's days. Better than modern versions of today.

    Recommend it to anyone that likes fighting ones.

      • Bungy from Devon
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4.0 stars

    They don't make 'em like this anymore

    This is the 1950s version of the West: it's a Disneyfied American Dream for 'decent folk' where gals are just looking for the right fella and salt ... more

    • Grimmy
      • Grimmy from Up North
  • Most recent members' reviews (2) of Bend Of The River

    View all
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3.0 stars

    Well made!

    Very well made for it's days. Better than modern versions of today.

    Recommend it to anyone that likes fighting ones.

      • Bungy from Devon
  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5.0 stars

    A must for Jimmy Stewart Fans.

    exceptionally good film, being a fan

    of James Stewart, I was not disappointed.

      • A customer from Coleford, England
  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5.0 stars

    A must for Jimmy Stewart Fans.

    exceptionally good film, being a fan

    of James Stewart, I was not disappointed.

      • A customer from Coleford, England
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3.0 stars

    Well made!

    Very well made for it's days. Better than modern versions of today.

    Recommend it to anyone that likes fighting ones.

      • Bungy from Devon
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4.0 stars

    They don't make 'em like this anymore

    This is the 1950s version of the West: it's a Disneyfied American Dream for 'decent folk' where gals are just looking for the right fella and salt ... more

    • Grimmy
      • Grimmy from Up North
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 4.0 stars

    Very enjoyable film

    I really enjoyed this film no fancy special effects just a good entertaining film. James stewart at his best fighting for justice and all things good. Would ... more

      • A customer from Plymouth Devon
  • Rated - 4.0 stars

    bend of the river

    very good well worth watching

      • A customer from Hastings
  • 0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 1.0 star

    Bend Of The River

    Would not play. Machine could not read.

      • A customer from Horley, Surrey
  • Critics' reviews (3)

  • 4 stars out of 5

    Originally known in the UK as Where the River Bends, this is a magnificent western, one of a superb postwar series of films starring James Stewart and directed by Anthony Mann. The series, beginning with Winchester '73, gave new credibility to Stewart's screen image, replacing that gawky loveability with an unforgettable character with a spine of steel. Here, Stewart plays a wagon train scout trying to hide his past, pitted against former partner Arthur Kennedy in a story that takes on the dimensions of Greek tragedy. Watch, too, for an early star-making performance from a young Rock Hudson, who forms a bond with reformed outlaw Stewart. This is a satisfying work, with action sequences and performances that repay several viewings.

    • Radio Times
  • Mann's finest Western casts Stewart as a wagon train leader, guiding a group of settlers through Indian country to the... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • 1 stars out of 4

    Good standard Western with pace and period feeling but not much plot sense.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
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  • 70

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    • Bend Of The River
      The second of the terrific Stewart/Mann westerns is characteristic of their pairings: adult themes played out against prairie vistas in which betrayal and violence can erupt at any time. Formerly a vicious Missouri raider, Stewart now leads a wagon train through Indian raids and hijackings to the ...

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