Copyright 21 May 1948 by Harry Sherman Pictures, Inc. Released through United Artists Pictures. New York opening at the Globe: 3 August 1948. U.S. release: 15 May 1948. U.K. release through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: 21 February 1949. Australian release through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: 24 February 1949. 8,196 feet. 91 minutes. (Available on an excellent Republic Pictures DVD).
U.K. and Australian release title: THEY PASSED THIS WAY.
COMMENT: A western that admirably captures the unique atmosphere and flavor of the original novel, thanks not only to its engrossing script but breathtaking location photography, efficient direction, and most capable acting. Production values are "A" plus.
Expansively produced with extensive location filming, beautifully photographed and stylishly directed (yes, Virginia, old Alfred E. can be stylish when he has the mind - which admittedly is none too often), They Passed This Way is a treat for western and non-western fans alike.
The atmosphere of the novel is superbly captured with all its irony (McCrea robbing the bank just a few yards away from a rostrum on which Pat Garrett, of all people, is delivering a lecture on law and order) and religious overtones (McCrea rides a white horse branded with a chalice. He is sheltering under the Blood. But when he chases the horse away, he is immediately bitten by a rattle-snake/serpent) intact.
The whole theme of the novel - "Nothing worthwhile is achieved without sacrifice," a line spoken by Nurse Dee - is vividly and indelibly realized. Nonetheless, it takes more than a worthwhile theme to make a picture really great. What's needed are memorable and fascinating characters - and that's what we have here. In spades. McCrea and Bickford are perfectly cast. McCrea does a wonderful job building up sympathy, whilst Bickford makes his Garrett a marvelous contrast. Miss Dee emerges a little colorlessly, but the support cast, headed by Joseph Calleia, is absolutely first-rate. Even the smallest roles are expertly played.
The script comes across as a model of what screenwriting should be. The dialogue rings with plenty of bite and even humor; while the plot moves forward with taut precision, yet engages plenty of action.
U.K. and Australian release title: THEY PASSED THIS WAY.
COMMENT: A western that admirably captures the unique atmosphere and flavor of the original novel, thanks not only to its engrossing script but breathtaking location photography, efficient direction, and most capable acting. Production values are "A" plus.
Expansively produced with extensive location filming, beautifully photographed and stylishly directed (yes, Virginia, old Alfred E. can be stylish when he has the mind - which admittedly is none too often), They Passed This Way is a treat for western and non-western fans alike.
The atmosphere of the novel is superbly captured with all its irony (McCrea robbing the bank just a few yards away from a rostrum on which Pat Garrett, of all people, is delivering a lecture on law and order) and religious overtones (McCrea rides a white horse branded with a chalice. He is sheltering under the Blood. But when he chases the horse away, he is immediately bitten by a rattle-snake/serpent) intact.
The whole theme of the novel - "Nothing worthwhile is achieved without sacrifice," a line spoken by Nurse Dee - is vividly and indelibly realized. Nonetheless, it takes more than a worthwhile theme to make a picture really great. What's needed are memorable and fascinating characters - and that's what we have here. In spades. McCrea and Bickford are perfectly cast. McCrea does a wonderful job building up sympathy, whilst Bickford makes his Garrett a marvelous contrast. Miss Dee emerges a little colorlessly, but the support cast, headed by Joseph Calleia, is absolutely first-rate. Even the smallest roles are expertly played.
The script comes across as a model of what screenwriting should be. The dialogue rings with plenty of bite and even humor; while the plot moves forward with taut precision, yet engages plenty of action.