HOW THE WEST WAS WON (Theatrical Release World-Wide 1962)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

How the West Was Won—western movie that pulls itself into a classic  status—accesses the talents of Debbie Reynolds, Gregory Peck, Carol Baker, James Stewart, George Peppard, Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Richard Widmark, Andy Devine, Eli Wallach, and Walter Brennen. Watch for John Wayne as General William Tecumseh Sherman  It’s an all-star movie with an all-star cast. There is no lack here. A very good watch for the western audience and general audiences. It has not lost its entertainment value despite its age. Worth watching and still worth an addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A story of major elements that moved from east coast to west coast with a nice tie-in at the movie’s end to show how, in a few short years after that, America emerged on the shoulders of those men and women who moved through the frontier, each with their own stories to tell. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Henry Hathaway, John Ford, and George Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bernard Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes: Carroll Baker, Lee Cobb, Henry Fonda, Carolyn Jones, Karl Malden, Gregory Peck, George Peppard, Robert Preston, Debbie Reynolds, James Stewart, and Eli Wallach. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie still shines as a classic western. Thank you to all involved in its production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

THE GRAPES OF WRATH (Theatrical Release USA 1940)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Grapes of Wrath—Henry Fonda, John Carridine, John Qualan, and Jane Darwell—is an example of high-quality writing and presentation. Thanks to Director John Ford for his finesse. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A family travels from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Ford for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Darryl Zanuck and Nunnally Johnson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, Shirley Mills, John Qualen, and Eddie Quillan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is what a film should be in all respects. A beautiful classic that can be watched many times through the years. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

STAGECOACH (Theatrical Release USA 1939)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Stagecoach—significant historically as the first western ‘talkie’ or sound film directed by John Ford—still has high entertainment value in 2020. The casting relies on the talents of John Wayne, Andy Devine, John Carradine, Tim Holt, and Donald Meek. The story has a straightforward presentation with good drama and some terrific action and stunt scenes. The storyline itself is obviously dated, but still relevant as a very good study in human attitudes and interactions.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Passengers on a stagecoach are attacked by Geronimo.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Ford for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Ford for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dallas (Claire Trevor), Ringo Kid (John Wayne), Buck (Andy Divine), Hatfield (John Carradine), Doc Josiah Boone (Thomas Mitchell), Mrs. Lucy Mallory (Louise Platt), Marshal Curley Wilcox (George Bancroft) Samuel Peacock (Donald Meek), Ellsworth Henry Gatewood (Berton Churchill), Lieutenant Blanchard (Tim Holt), and Luke Plummer (Tom Tyler).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is worth a watch and still has value as an addition to the home video collection.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers