Customer Reviews

Jubal [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jubal is the kind of adult western that was rare even in the heyday of Western production in Hollywood. A great cast, strong writing, and beautiful scenery makes it that much more enjoyable.

Jubal is a luckless drifter, played by Ford who is rescued from exposure and starvation by wealthy rancher Ernest Borgnine. Borgnine soons put Jubal to work as a ranch hand. Borgnine has a very young and beautiful wife, played by Valerie French. She takes a strong liking to Jubal, which not only complicates his relationship with Borgnine, but further strains his dealings with a jealous fellow ranch hand Pinky, played by Rod Steiger. Things go downhill from there.

Add Felicia Farr playing her normal stalwart Western beauty and Charles Bronson as a friend of Jubal's, and you have the making of a great film. It's way past time that this was on DVD.

In the mid-1950's writer-director Delmer Daves made a series of superior westerns for Columbia studios. Too bad these films have not gotten their critical due from movie historians or critics. Perhaps it's because they lack the thematic continuity of a Buddy Boetticher or a John Ford to tie them together. Still each entry presents its own distinct virtues and all are greatly entertaining. If the compact, and tautly told "3:10 to Yuma" is the best of the lot, the scenic and sprawling "Jubal" runs a close second. This mid-series film features Glenn Ford's easy-going charm, a rowdy Earnest Borgnine, a luscious Valerie French, and the panoramic backdrop of Jackson Hole Wyoming. And in an odd piece of casting, which Daves seems fond of, method actor extrordinaire Rod Steiger appears as a treacherous ranch hand named of all things, Pinky! Following the dueling styles of Ford vs. Steiger is at least as interesting as the otherwise well-staged outbursts of gunplay.

Judging from other entries, such as 1958's "Cowboy", Daves seems genuinely intrigued by the real life of cowhands. Thus the cowhands in Jubal are more vividly drawn and distinctively presented than their usual role as faceless stage props. The story itself features a fairly explicit (for its time) woman in heat (French), whose scheming shenanigans set off a plot-driving chain of events, while shifting alliances among ranch hands and settlers round out a sprawling and sometimes over-generous plot. And, oh yes, making a sudden appearance half way through, a lonesome Charles Bronson in a tacked on role that perhaps provided a needed payday, (Daves and Bronson had been together in the earlier, oddball essay "Drumbeat".) If none of this sounds good, then just sit back and take in the beautifully photographed alpine landscape that has salvaged many a western much less worthy than "Jubal".

THE STORY: An injured drifter, Glenn Ford as Jubal Troop, is rescued by ranch-owner Earnest Borgnine, who ultimately promotes him to foreman of his ranch. This stirs up the envy of ranch-hand Rod Steiger ("Pinky") and the desire of Borgnine's young sexpot/discontent wife Valerie French. The latter leads to even more hostility on Steiger's part because he used to enjoy the adulterous attentions of French until Ford came along.

Add to this mix a group of trespassing Mennonites (or perhaps Quakers) who have in their company Felicia Farr, a godly woman that attracts Ford's romantic interests, and Charles Bronson, another drifter who befriends Ford.

WHAT WORKS: For the first hour and ten minutes or so "Jubal" is captivating cinema of the highest order. Borgnine is simpleminded & naive but likable and full of mirth. Valerie French is fully clothed at all times, yet somehow oozes sexuality with every simple glance or word (proving that sexiness involves way more than merely showing skin). Rod Steiger is perfect as the villainous Southerner-turned-Westerner "Pinky." Felicia Farr is an interesting addition to the story: her godly purity attracts Ford just as much as French's adulterous tactics turn him off.

As for the young Charles Bronson, how can you go wrong? And, lastly, Glenn Ford is perfect as the tragedy-laden drifter.

A big bonus is that the film was shot on location with the mighty Grand Tetons as a backdrop for the entire story. These magnificent Wyoming mountains are nothing short of breathtaking!

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: A little after the hour mark a major character buys the farm, resulting in the last half-hour tying up loose ends and somehow losing the yarn's ultra-captivating charm. I'm not saying the ending is bad, not at all, just that it's mediocre compared to the rest of the film. This is the only reason the flick rates 4-Stars instead of 5-Stars in my mind.

Also, although the opening credits score is understandably dated, the rest of the film is not.

CONCLUSION: Make no mistake, "Jubal" is a powerful psychological Western; there's thankfully no Disney-like unrealistic vibe anywhere to be found. It expertly touches on issues of friendship, envy, jealousy, competition, lust, hate, love, and hope. In light of this, I'm genuinely surprised at how underrated "Jubal" is in the Western genre.

Let me add that Jubal is a man of fascinatingly noble character: he amazingly resists the skilled sexual advances of the luscious Valerie French. Kinda reminds me of Joseph and Potiphar's wife.

"Jubal" is a MUST for every person's Western film library.

Seems I agree with critic anne on just about anything where this actor is concerned! But in addition to his prowess as a fast gun, watch for the fleeting camera moments that distinguish his acting from others...after he is trapped into shooting his best friend, watch the body language as he bends over the friend, but particularly when he raises his head to look at Bronson and note the shock, pain and grief in his eyes. Also, compare the facial expressions when he is talking to the rancher's wife and when he is talking to his new-found girlfriend. In the former scenes, it appears that he is trying not to be rude, but can't stand her; and in the latter, there is a tenderness that is also seldom seen on the screen. Don't miss this film! It is an above ordinary western!

When a Wyoming cattle king, Shep Horgan (Ernest Borgnine), receives Jubal Troop (Glenn Ford) in his ranch, his presence arouses strong emotions for his attractive young Canadian wife Mae...

Shep, a friendly good-natured husband and the best loved man in the territory, offers his help and trust to Jubal and names him his foreman... Shep was proud of the "sheep-herding friend" who got lost in the blizzard, and came over the pass from Montana, running from "bad luck."

Mae (Valerie French), a rancher's wanton wife, spins the plot by her attentions to the disinterested cowboy Jubal, which further stirs up the surly range rider (Rod Steiger) with whom she had previously been carrying on an affair, unknown to her genteel husband...

Truthful and straightforward, Jubal is caught between a loyal friend and an insistent desirous unfaithful wife who considers her husband's fine ranch a "10,000 acres of lonesomeness."

Mae was not in love with her unattractive husband... She thought she just picked the right guy to patch it up with... She even considered an evil plan in her mind... Maybe another affair, a new love, a murder...

One night, she went crazy... She lied to Shep telling him that Jubal was here in their room, in their bed... She yelled angrily in pain: "I'm sick to my stomach every time you kiss me. Let go of me. I hate you. I hate the way you look at me. I hate every single thing about you. I love him. Do you hear? I love Jube."

In that moment, Mae inflames a torrid fuse of sex, jealousy and revenge which make of Delmer Daves' "Jubal" a rather engrossing piece of adult entertainment...

Glenn Ford was honest in his feelings toward his boss ("Shep made me feel like somebody. Shep gave me a reason for living.") ignoring that he was caught in a net of lies, murder, and uncontrolled passions...

Rod Steiger was exceptional as the sadistic top hand who strongly disliked Jubal's gizzard... Pinky spots Mae's sights on Jubal... His jealous was so great as his strong sexual desire for the ex-lover...

In her film debut, Felicia Far was the radiant and beautiful as the little Rawhider responding to expert handling...

"Jubal" returned Charles Bronson to the West and to the company of director Delmer Daves, with whom he had made "Drum Beat." Cast as a ranch-hand friend of Ford's in the employ of Borgnine, Bronson contributes his natural masculine presence to this psychological Western...

Set against the mountainous fertile valley of the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, and beautifully photographed in CinemaScope and Technicolor, "Jubal" is a powerful adult Western in constant suspense...

Glenn Ford, Ernest Borgnine, and Rod Steiger make the most of this excellent movie. Ford plays a drifter cowboy who is rescued and given work by wealthy rancher Borgnine, who is unaware that ranch hand Steiger is having an affair with Borgnine's much younger wife. Steiger becomes insanely jealous of Ford's relationship with Borgnine, and tragedy ensues. This a very well-written, well-acted Western.

Seems I agree with customer critic anne on just about anything where this actor is concerned! But in addition to his prowess as a fast gun, watch for the fleeting camera moments that distinguish his acting from others...after he is trapped into shooting his best friend, watch the body language as he bends over the friend, but particularly when he raises his head to look at Bronson and note the shock, pain and grief in his eyes. Also, compare the facial expressions when he is talking to the ranchers wife and when he is talking to his new-found girlfriend. In the former scenes, it appears that he is trying not to be rude, but can't stand her; and in the latter, there is a tenderness that is also seldom seen on the screen. Don't miss this film! It is an above ordinary western!

Another most entertaining western with Glenn Ford as Jubal Troop involved in a deadly love triangle. A great movie to see if only to watch Glenn Ford and his quick reflexes as a gunslinger! Great scenery and highly recommended. END

JUBAL is a nicely entertaining Western soaper. Directed by Delmer Davies who gave us several earthy, romantic, baby-boomer soapers [i.e. A SUMMER PLACE, 1959; PARRISH, 1961; ROME ADVENTURE, 1962] and who gave us the original, classic 3:10 TO YUMA [1957]. This deals with an itinerant cowpoke, played by Glenn Ford [Jubal], who is hired by wealthy rancher Ernest Borgnine. Big boss Ernie is a gruff, rough-around-the-edges and round-around-the-middle man of the land who has a much younger wife, the latter played so memorably well by an actress named Valerie French. The boss takes a liking to his new man---admires Jubal's skill, work ethic and advice---and quickly promotes him to #1 hand. A couple of minor problems: the boss' wife also takes a liking to Jube, and a long-time ranch hand, played annoyingly well by the great Rod Steiger, is more than a little perturbed at the quick promotion. French is terrific as the petulant, fervent young spouse who is willing to give up everything for the stalwart Jubal. Steiger is scene-stealing as the envious hand who has always desired the boss' wife. He tries to undermine Jubal at every turn---stirring up the other hands and the boss. Borgnine is grand as the loquacious but ignorant and gullible ranch owner. Young wife can't seem to pin Jubal down as the latter remains rigidly loyal to the man who gave him a job and hope. Jubal subsequently encounters a migrating group of religious settlers and falls for the group leader's innocent and isolated daughter played exquisitely well by Felicia Farr. Farr's crush on Ford is beautifully portrayed by Davies, no one better than the old pro at depicting the flavor of young love on the screen. Farr is beautiful, angelic and splendid in her small role. When the boss' wife finds out Jubal has a gal she presses the pedal to the floor in her attempt to get her man. Tries to seduce Jube afer he escorts her back home one night. Meanwhile Steiger adds fuel to the fire by suggesting to the boss that the two are having a fling. Borg confronts his wife only to be ridiculed and spuriously told that she has been intimate with Jube. He now confronts Jubal intent on killing him. The latter is able to fatally shoot his boss in self defense, barely. Steiger, who in the meantime has beaten the wife after she repels his advances, now publically accuses Jubal of the premeditated murder of his boss and of the fatal beating of his young wife. A posse is now after the innocent hand. Gets a little syrupy at the end but overall great performances with Steiger and French standouts. And what can I say about Glenn Ford: one of the most underrated actors ever and one of the best. Fact that French never really made it after this reaffirms just how tough Hollywood really is. Nice seeing familiar Western vet Noah Beery Jr [RED RIVER,1948] and Paul Kersey, I mean Charles Bronson [pre-DIRTY DOZEN, pre-DEATH WISH], with small roles in this one. Really nice cinematography. Very nice job by Davies adding a few suds to the beans & bacon in this one.

Just as I remember it, to see these great actors on the screen once again
is rewarding.