Customer Reviews

Canyon Passage [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Director Jacques Tourneur, greatly respected for his low key suspense films such as "I walked with a zombie," and such mysteries as "Out of the past," revealed a different technique altogether when directing this very literate western. In addition to the fine work of Dana Andrews and Brian Donlevy; the music of Hoagy Carmichael is excellent, including "Ole Buttermilk Sky" and the regretfully forgotten novelty number "Somebody stole by horse and wagon, my heart's low, my feet are draggin', I'm walkin' down the trail I used to ride." This film, produced in 1945 was a trend setter whose style is still copied today. A wonderful film in every respect.

Canyon Passage has almost everything you'd want in a western, from technicolor scenery to great character actors for comdy and musical sidekicks. The story's not particularly gripping, but original enough to be interesting.

Dana Andrews (The Ox-Bow Incident, Hotrods To Hell) and Brian Donlevy (Destry Rides Again, The Quatermass Xperiment) are businessmen in a tiny goldrush town in Oregon. Donlevy is engaged to Susan Hayward but Dana Andrews cares for her as well. Andy Devine (Island In The Sky, That's The Spirit) is a nearby settler, Hoagie Carmichael sings some songs, Ward Bond (A Guy Named Joe, It's A Wonderful Life, etc.) is a bad guy; young Lloyd Bridges (High Noon, Airplane) a good guy.

You'll see a cabin raising, poker games, gold dust, a bar fight, an Indian attack, a shoot-out, and murder, all in technicolor. Definitely the choice if you just want to see one typical example of old fashioned westerns.

Movie is one of my favorites. Quality of picture is a bit dark due to age of the production. A good movie for the family.

1946. This Jacques Tourneur western is way ahead of its time and is an undisputable masterpiece. None of the characters is all black nor all white and the direction is outstanding. You can now find a superb zone 2 DVD of this movie, with a presentation by Bertrand Tavernier, at Amazon.fr.

I normally don't like westerns but this will go in my collection of the few westerns I have. Thanks for sending it so promptly. Dana Andrews is a favorite of mine but Hoagy Carmichiel is also one. I have looked for this for the about 40 years because of the songs in it. Ireta C.

I didn't have much in the way of expectations when I started to watch this film, so I have to say I was pretty surprised by how good it was. Dana Andrews stars as a cowboy/businessman in 1850's Oregon who is in love with Susan Hayward, the fiancee of his friend, a reckless gambler played by Brian Donlevy. Andrews has to look out for Ward Bond, a violent wanderer who seems bent on killing him. Toss in some Indians, beautifully photographed scenery, other love interests and subplots, and you have a good story that ties all of the elements in together, providing enough action, drama, and romance to keep any viewer satisfied. Plus you have Hoagy Carmichael moving about singing several songs. What more could you ask for?

This video was sent out to me the next day after I placed the order. It was mailed out as promised by the seller. I was surprised that it was on its' way to me so quickly. It arrived in perfect condition. A reputible seller, indeed.