Customer Reviews

Night Passage

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Jimmy Stewart served in World War II in the dangerous role of a bomber pilot, and the experience clearly toughened the image he portrayed in the series of westerns he made after the war. Night Passage is a very good western and the role Stewart portrays is far tougher than the amiable character he played in the pre-war comedic western Destry Rides Again. Another thing I like about Night Passage is that it features a fine performance, as Stewart's outlaw brother, by Audy Murphie -- WW II's most decorated soldier, and a much better actor than the B movies he most often appeared in gave him a chance to show. Still another interesting aspect of Night Passage is a significant role for Brandon de Wilde -- a fine young actor who, regrettably, is all but forgotten except for his role as the boy Joey in Shane. Then there's Dan Duryea in an over-the-top performance as the ruthless leader of a band of train robbers. For some reason Night Passage has never achieved the recognition it's script, cast, and performances deserve. I hope its release on DVD will help cure this oversight. If you like westerns, please give Night Passage a try.

Night Passage was the movie that ended the partnership of actor James Stewart and director Anthony Mann. Their classic Westerns, such as Winchester '73, The Man From Laramie, and of course, The Naked Spur, were all classic Westerns with gritty,edgy performances by Stewart.

But Stewart and Mann parted ways on this script involving a disgraced railroad detective who tries to redeem himself by capturing a group of train robbers. Maybe it was the fact that Stewart would sing and play the accordion in the film. Maybe it was the fact that Dan Duryea's character was suspiciously like his role in Winchester '73.

At any rate, this film is still a treat and an delight. Stewart plays a character very much like his Mann films, and Audie Murphy gives one of his better performances as the Utica Kid, one of Duryea's gang member, and someone who shares a secret with Stewart. And Duryea plays his part with gusto.

Western fans of the Mann/Stewart films should enjoy this film, regardless of the similarities, or even the differences between those films and Night Passage.

Night Passage is a classic western from an era when James Stewart stars as an accordion toting cowboy out to regain his good name and his younger brother, a kid gone bad portrayed by Audie Murphy. Stewart is out to deliver the railroad's payroll, redeem his brother, save the kid (Brandon DeWilde of Shane fame), and, though not his major motive, get the girl. He scores on every count.

Though predictable in its story, Night Passage is absolutely watchable and enjoyable. James Stewart is irresistible in a role not unlike others he had in Winchester '73, The Man from Laramie and Destry Rides Again. Audie Murphy is wonderful as the man in black who can't resist Stewart's renditions on the accordion of their father's favorite folk songs. Add the panoramic beauty of the west and you have a winner.

Douglas McAllister

When it comes to westerns we like to think of stars like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Tom Selleck (of late). But Jimmy Stewart is a name that should absolutely come to mind every time. Stewart sits his horse well, is believable in hat, boots and spurs, and seems more believable as the consummate good guy of the west.

NIGHT PASSAGE, the story of a shamed railroad troubleshooter who is out to redeem his name and his younger brother who has gone bad (Audie Murphy), showcases Stewart's considerable acting abilities very well.

And it's a musical western to boot! With toe-tappers like "You Can't Get Far Without a Railroad" and "Follow the River" both sung by none other than Jimmy Stewart, and a striking soundtrack that beautifully complements the mountains and skies that form the backdrop for this one and you've got nothing short of a very enjoyable western.

No, this isn't a western of the predictable genre but it's a breath of fresh air when all you've had is the bacon and beans set for your last ten western viewings. You want John Wayne then watch John Wayne. But don't miss this Jimmy Stewart classic.

A lot of people seem to dismiss Jimmy Stewart as a serious western actor because of the good-natured "aw shucks" style he conveyed in the movies he made prior to World War II. But Stewart served in WW II in the dangerous role of a bomber pilot, and the experience clearly toughened the image he portrayed in the series of westerns he made after the war. Night Passage is a very good western and the role Stewart portrays is far tougher than the amiable character he played in the pre-war comedic western Destry Rides Again. Another thing I like about Night Passage is that it features a fine performance, as Stewart's outlaw brother, by Audie Murphy -- WW II's most decorated soldier, and a much better actor than the B movies he most often appeared in gave him a chance to show. Still another interesting aspect of Night Passage is a significant role for Brandon de Wilde -- a fine young actor who, regrettably, is all but forgotten except for his role as the boy Joey in Shane. Then there's Dan Duryea in an over-the-top performance as the ruthless leader of a band of train robbers. For some reason Night Passage has never achieved the recognition it's script, cast, and performances deserve. I hope its release on DVD will help cure this oversight. If you like westerns, please give Night Passage a try.

This is a pretty intriguing picture if only because it's a case of a potential classic that didn't come off. It marked the beginning of Anthony Mann's decline as a director; he walked off just as shooting began, the same stunt he would pull on "Spartacus" two years later. James Stewart, who was his own producer for most of the Fifties, was furious, as well he might have been, and never worked with Mann again, despite their wonderful collaboration on eight previous movies. Its a shame the two of them couldn't have cooled off, put their heads together, and ironed out the script problems. There is some beautiful and novel material in "Night Passage," the story of an outlaw gang preying on a new railroad in the Colorado mining territory. Great performances by everone, especially Audie Murphy. It just needed a stronger hand at the helm to pull it all together.

You cannot ignore James Stewart, John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, as being the three unbeatable icons of the American Western.

Night Passage is one of these vehicles. Short and to the point. Clear outlined characters and brilliant dialogues, make this a truly classic Western.

Its transfer is simply impeccable with sharp images and although the sound is a plain two-channel Mono, it is so clear that it almost seems to be in Stereo.

I cannot add much more to this presentation, except that such movies are the true gems of Hollywood at its best.

These were still the days when good acting, a bit of simple action (or not so simple, when filmed) and a good and solid storyline, were enough to produce an effective and successful product.

All this finally brought to full glory through the technology that DVDs have to offer nowadays, make this and other similar movie a sure buying experience.

Highly recommended.

Night Passage is a solid western starring James Stewart & directed by James Neilson. Grant McLaine (Stewart) is out of work & reduced to playing an accordion (Yes, that's him playing it) for tips. He's been out of work for five years since the railroad has fired him, the same one that he plays the accordion in the at the end-of-tracks camp. The railroad workers are about to quit because the payroll has been stolen three times in a row & they haven't been paid. McLaine is rehired by the railroad to get the payroll to the workers. He had been previously fired because he had let the Utica Kid get away by providing him with a horse & a head start. The truth is the Utica Kid (Audie Murphy) is McLaine's younger brother, Lee. The Utica Kid has hated his older brother since childhood which is his reason for being an outlaw.

The movie also has Brandon de Wilde (Shane) as the teen, Joey, who looks up to the Utica Kid. He knows he's no good but he sees him as a good man, mostly because of the rest of the gang Members. Whitey Hardin (Dan Duryea) is the gang leader who is constantly being needled & subtly challenged by the Utica Kid. Their character interplay is fun to watch & could've been expanded on.

Murphy's role as the Utica Kid is actually one of the best roles he ever had ,along with The Unforgiven (not the Eastwood movie). He's cast against type portraying the heavy. Murphy didn't venture into the "A" list often in his roles; when he did he was usually cast in a featured rather than starring role. Audie Murphy once said he made about 5 or 6 movies & did the same Western about 40 different times. Though he wasn't a great actor, his portrayal of the Utica Kid is more than adequate. It's James Stewart that flexes his acting muscles in this movie. There are a couple of instances in the movie where you can see he almost loses it, the anger almost driving him into a killing rage. Watch his body language & facial expression, it's subtle yet chilling.

Night Passage has always been plagued by the fact that Anthony Mann pulled out of the production. That shouldn't be considered. All in all one of the best Westerns of the Fifties. Night Passage has everything a western should have: A hero down on his luck,(Stewart), a wayward brother,(Murphy), and a villain that has a screw loose, (Duryea). Throw in train robberies, girl friends, characters, and the scenery and "Night Passage" is actually the perfect western. Oh yeah, don't forget the terrific performance by Brandon de Wilde.

This isn't a classic Western, but it's a darn good little movie. Jimmy Stewart is perfectly cast as the older brother, and once again makes acting look easy. Brandon de Wilde, one of the best child actors ever, does a good job in his role as the youngster at a crossroads between good and bad. And Audie Murphy absolutely shines as the Utica Kid. The few times he was cast against type were some of his best roles (such as No Name on the Bullet).

Not many boring moments in this film. And make sure you look closely at the railroad boss' righthand man, who is not happy with Jimmy Stewart being hired to carry the payroll. Hugh Beaumont could play a good tough guy before being cast as Ward Cleaver, the Beaver's dad!