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Bend Of The River on DVD (1952)

Bend Of The River cover art
Average rating: 69%
15320101636
3.5
from 151 members
 
Starring: James Stewart, Arthur Kennedy, Julie Adams, Rock Hudson, Lori Nelson, Jay C. Flippen, Stepin Fetchit
Director: Anthony Mann
Studio: 4 FRONT VIDEO
Run time: 89 mins
Certificate: PG
User collections: Westerns...
Genres: Action/Adventure
Languages: English
Hearing-impaired: English
Released: 14/03/2005

Brief synopsis of 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 new boom town of Portland where he becomes embroiled in the conflict between wealthy miners and farmers.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 4 stars out of 5 Radio Times

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.

Time Out

Mann's finest Western casts Stewart as a wagon train leader, guiding a group of settlers through Indian country to the... Read more on www.timeout.com

Rating of 1 stars out of 4 Halliwell's Film Guide

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

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starsA must for Jimmy Stewart Fans.

A customer from Coleford, England , 12/01/2005

exceptionally good film, being a fan

of James Stewart, I was not disappointed.

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 3 starsWell made!

Bungy from Devon , 25/11/2004

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

Recommend it to anyone that likes fighting ones.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsThey don't make 'em like this anymore

Grimmy Grimmy from Up North [Highly rated reviewer] , 29/01/2008

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 of the earth pioneers show kindness to dumb niggas and former merceneray killers (who are making a determined effort to go straight, bless'em). But that is just the way the West was portrayed then, by convention, and aint nobody was gonna give you no money to make a western any other way. Underneath the Mom's Apple Pie crust it's another story though. There are adult themes here of betrayal, greed and corruption - life is cheap and killing comes easy to those who know how. Ultimately its about the triumph of morality in the face of adversity - a message that stands repeating in these days. Anthony Mann has crafted an epic western here, with fantastic scenery, gorgeous technicolour photography and stunning studio sets, with not a special effect or CGI in sight. One just gawps in amazement as heavy, ricketty wagons are hauled across unforgiving terrain by foam-flecked horses. James Stewart prefigures Clint Eastwood as the deadly killer, tired of killing, who is forced by circumstances and the thirst for justice to kill again - but of course, being the 1950s, no blood is spilled, though the body count keeps on rising. The female lead does a passable impression of Joan Crawford and Arthur Kennedy is a nasty two-faced sunnavabitch. This is old-fashioned in many away, but its a damn fine film nonetheless.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsVery enjoyable film

A customer from Plymouth Devon , 03/05/2006

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 recommend this film for a good evening entertainment where acting and a good story is all that is needed. No flashy special effects or sound track to get you to watch. Very enjoyable.

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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 3 starsWell made!

Bungy from Devon , 25/11/2004

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

Recommend it to anyone that likes fighting ones.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsVery enjoyable film

A customer from Plymouth Devon , 03/05/2006

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 recommend this film for a good evening entertainment where acting and a good story is all that is needed. No flashy special effects or sound track to get you to watch. Very enjoyable.

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