This is a great Western. McCrea shows off some great horsemanship as does Frances Dee, something rarely seen in female leads. I was intrigued with the authenticity (for the time) of the Hispanic and Native Americans portrayed in this movie. Joseph Calleia, playing against type, is a middle-class Hispanic, rather than just a poor Mexican, with property and a very large extended family in the region, something that was very common in New Mexico but rarely understood outside of its borders. There are surprising Spanish phrases used throughout and I was even impressed with the McCrea character's good Spanish -- so different from other Westerns of the era. The Native Americans, shown only in the opening scene at the Pat Garrett welcome, look like they could have been Mescalero Apaches from southern New Mexico. This movie really respected all the different cultures of southern New Mexico. Finally, El Morro aka Inscription Rock, now a national monument, was a significant symbol in this movie, a testament to its importance to the many different people and cultures that "Paso por Aqui" over the ages.
26 Reviews
Ross McEwen - Valiant Gentleman.
hitchcockthelegend5 July 2013
Four Faces West (AKA: They Passed This Way) is directed by Alfred E. Green and collectively adapted to screenplay by C. Graham Baker, Teddi Sherman, William Brent and Milarde Brent from the novel Paso por acqui written by Eugene Manlove Rhodes. It stars Joel McCrea, Francis Dee, Charles Bickford and Joseph Calleia. Music is by Paul Sawtell and cinematography by Russell Harlan.
Ross McEwen (McCrea) robs the bank of Santa Maria but requests only $2,000 and issues an I.O.U. to the bank manager with the promise of paying back the money. The bank manager, aggrieved and agitated, puts a bounty of $3,000 on McEwen's head and quickly finds the law, in the form of Sheriff Pat Garrett (Bickford), aiding his cause. But McEwen is no ordinary thief, and as he makes his way across the lands during his escape, revelations and relationships will reveal something quite extraordinary.
All the things are in place here for a conventional 1940s Western movie, with the robbery of a bank followed by a posse pursuit, a serious sheriff on the case, a pretty gal turning heads and some card playing of course. Yet this is far from being a conventional Oater. Old fashioned? Yes! Definitely, but it's a beautifully crafted picture that relies on characterisations - locations - and a story of such humanistic redemptive qualities; it demands to be better known.
It has rightly been pointed out before that no blood is shed here, no bullets are fired; in fact bullets play a key part of the story for a different reason, but the action quota here is still very high. With blazing fire tactics used at one point and pursuits through the rocky terrain very much in evidence, the pic often raises the pulses. Tension is also provided by the efforts of McEwen to evade the attentions of the posse and the law, with some intelligent and believable methods put into action. The romance angle is also thoughtful and never cloying, given credence by real life lovers McCrea and Dee, while non white actors play South American characters without charges of stereotype or fodder being brought into play.
With first grade black and white photography from Harlan (New Mexico Tourist Board done a favour here), unfussy direction by Green, and a quartet of great performances by the principal players leading from the front, Four Faces West (not the best of titles to be fair) is a treat for the Western fan. It may lack a "shock" outcome but it sure as heck fire casts off cynicism and makes you feel better about people in general. Bravo! 8/10
Ross McEwen (McCrea) robs the bank of Santa Maria but requests only $2,000 and issues an I.O.U. to the bank manager with the promise of paying back the money. The bank manager, aggrieved and agitated, puts a bounty of $3,000 on McEwen's head and quickly finds the law, in the form of Sheriff Pat Garrett (Bickford), aiding his cause. But McEwen is no ordinary thief, and as he makes his way across the lands during his escape, revelations and relationships will reveal something quite extraordinary.
All the things are in place here for a conventional 1940s Western movie, with the robbery of a bank followed by a posse pursuit, a serious sheriff on the case, a pretty gal turning heads and some card playing of course. Yet this is far from being a conventional Oater. Old fashioned? Yes! Definitely, but it's a beautifully crafted picture that relies on characterisations - locations - and a story of such humanistic redemptive qualities; it demands to be better known.
It has rightly been pointed out before that no blood is shed here, no bullets are fired; in fact bullets play a key part of the story for a different reason, but the action quota here is still very high. With blazing fire tactics used at one point and pursuits through the rocky terrain very much in evidence, the pic often raises the pulses. Tension is also provided by the efforts of McEwen to evade the attentions of the posse and the law, with some intelligent and believable methods put into action. The romance angle is also thoughtful and never cloying, given credence by real life lovers McCrea and Dee, while non white actors play South American characters without charges of stereotype or fodder being brought into play.
With first grade black and white photography from Harlan (New Mexico Tourist Board done a favour here), unfussy direction by Green, and a quartet of great performances by the principal players leading from the front, Four Faces West (not the best of titles to be fair) is a treat for the Western fan. It may lack a "shock" outcome but it sure as heck fire casts off cynicism and makes you feel better about people in general. Bravo! 8/10
If this exciting, unusual, uplifting and richly romantic western doesn't touch you, you have an ice-cold, cynical heart of stone.
JeffersonCody8 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Warning: Possible spoilers.
An absolute gem, this wonderful western - shot in black and white on rugged, interesting locations, is a sheer pleasure from beginning to end. It is something to cherish. The quiet, handsome Joel McCrea - playing the most thoroughly decent outlaw I've ever come across in a western, has never been more appealing as the bank robber on the run.
Using his pointed gun as collateral, Ross McEwan (McCrea) makes a $2000 "loan" from a bank - right under Pat Garrett's (Bickford) nose. The furious bank manager puts up a reward of $3000 for his capture: dead or alive. So Garrett - a pretty good guy who is going to make damn sure no one shoots Ross in the back, and a posse set off in hot pursuit. The crafty McEwan jumps on a train and evades capture with a help of a baby and a blanket. He meets the honest, attractive railway nurse Fay Hollister (Frances Dee) and the mysterious Mexican gambler Monte Marquez (Joseph Calleia) while on the train. Fay realizes that Ross has broken the law and is a wanted man, but she falls in love with him anyway - hell, she's ready to sacrifice her job and follow him to the ends of the earth. Of course, every bounty hunter in the territory is now also searching for Ross.
With Monte's help, Ross continues to evade the determined Garrett and eventually travels across the desert - on a bull. On the way, however, Ross stops to find a horse and comes across a poor, sick Mexican family at their little homestead. The father, his wife and their two small boys are desperately ill. They will all surely die if Ross doesn't stop to help. But if he stays and tries to save them, the law will catch up with him and he won't make it across the border...
Seeing Joel McCrea and his wife Frances Dee romantically paired is rather lovely; they have real chemistry (it's no surprise their marriage lasted for over 50 years). The four leads are all pitch perfect in their roles, but a marvelous Joseph Calleia deserves a special mention. If this exciting, unusual, uplifting and richly romantic western (in which not one shot is fired or a single punch thrown) doesn't touch you, you have an ice-cold, cynical heart of stone. Based on a story by Eugene Manlove Rhodes called "Paso por Aqui" ("They Passed This Way"). Highly recommended.
An absolute gem, this wonderful western - shot in black and white on rugged, interesting locations, is a sheer pleasure from beginning to end. It is something to cherish. The quiet, handsome Joel McCrea - playing the most thoroughly decent outlaw I've ever come across in a western, has never been more appealing as the bank robber on the run.
Using his pointed gun as collateral, Ross McEwan (McCrea) makes a $2000 "loan" from a bank - right under Pat Garrett's (Bickford) nose. The furious bank manager puts up a reward of $3000 for his capture: dead or alive. So Garrett - a pretty good guy who is going to make damn sure no one shoots Ross in the back, and a posse set off in hot pursuit. The crafty McEwan jumps on a train and evades capture with a help of a baby and a blanket. He meets the honest, attractive railway nurse Fay Hollister (Frances Dee) and the mysterious Mexican gambler Monte Marquez (Joseph Calleia) while on the train. Fay realizes that Ross has broken the law and is a wanted man, but she falls in love with him anyway - hell, she's ready to sacrifice her job and follow him to the ends of the earth. Of course, every bounty hunter in the territory is now also searching for Ross.
With Monte's help, Ross continues to evade the determined Garrett and eventually travels across the desert - on a bull. On the way, however, Ross stops to find a horse and comes across a poor, sick Mexican family at their little homestead. The father, his wife and their two small boys are desperately ill. They will all surely die if Ross doesn't stop to help. But if he stays and tries to save them, the law will catch up with him and he won't make it across the border...
Seeing Joel McCrea and his wife Frances Dee romantically paired is rather lovely; they have real chemistry (it's no surprise their marriage lasted for over 50 years). The four leads are all pitch perfect in their roles, but a marvelous Joseph Calleia deserves a special mention. If this exciting, unusual, uplifting and richly romantic western (in which not one shot is fired or a single punch thrown) doesn't touch you, you have an ice-cold, cynical heart of stone. Based on a story by Eugene Manlove Rhodes called "Paso por Aqui" ("They Passed This Way"). Highly recommended.
A gem of a Western that William S Hart would surely have approved of.
louisgodena18 April 2004
Not a single shot is fired nor is one punch thrown in director Phil Green's "Four Faces West", starring Joel McCrea and Frances Dee. This is just one of the remarkable features of this absolutely first rate western. A down-and-out cowboy "borrows" $2000 from a reluctant banker in Santa Maria, New Mexico. During his escape he earns the attention of a lovely railroad nurse (played by real-life wife Frances Dee), who tries mightily to save our hero. His escape into the New Mexico badlands and his ultimate redemption (he stops to help a critically ill family at an isolated ranch, thereby insuring his capture) form the exciting climax to the story. Fine performances by Charles Bickford (as legendary lawman Pat Garrett) and Joseph Calleia are among those of a distinguished supporting cast, including William Conrad and John Parrish. An exciting and uplifting cinematic experience. Highly recommended!
Good Western with action , drama , wonderful landscapes and attractive interpretations
ma-cortes4 March 2014
¨Four faces West¨ or ¨They passed this way¨ is an enjoyable film with spectacular outdoors , emotion , a love story and agreeable acting strengthen this low-key Western . Cowboy Ross McEwen (Joel McCrea) is an honest rancher when he arrives in town. He asks the banker for a loan of $2000 , then he robs the local bank in order to save his father's ranch from foreclosure . On the run he is helped by a nurse (Frances Dee) and an upright man (Joseph Calleia) . Ross is relentlessly pursued by the famous Sheriff Pat Garrett (Charles Bickford) . His humanity in helping a diphtheria-ridden family leads to his capture , since he is not an ordinary nasty guy . Based on Eugene Manlove Rhodes' novel titled "Paso Por Aqui": ¨He grew to manhood in this valley , most of the stones which helped build his fame as a writer had their setting in Southern New Mexico . One of the best known ¨Paso Por aquí¨ was based on actual occurrence at the Little Choza which his friend have set aside as a monument to his memory. The film is the story of this monument¨ .
Interesting Western without gunshot but with good feeling , romance , go riding , thrills and results to be pretty entertaining . Nice acting from Joel McCrea and Frances Dee , both of whom real-life husband and wife . Thoughtful performances from support cast such as Joseph Calleia , Charles Bickford playing a merciless Pat Garrett who did something else with his life apart from chasing Billy the Kid all over the immense territories . Furthermore , William Conrad , pre-Cannon , another bulky presence even at this early stage of his fruitful career , here performing another deputy chasing the protagonist . Atmospheric cinematography in black and white by Russell Harlan , being shot on location in El Morro National Monument, Ramah, New Mexico,Gallup, New Mexico, Red Rock Canyon State Park , Cantil, California, San Rafael, New Mexico, USA . Appropriate as well as evocative musical score by Paul Sawtell .
The motion picture professionally produced by Harry Sherman was well directed by Alfred E Green . Alfred was a good craftsman expert on all kind of genres such as Musical : ¨The fabulous Dorseys¨ (47) , ¨The Jolson story¨ (46), ¨Copacabana¨ (47) , Drama : ¨Dangerous (35) , Baby Face (33) , biography : ¨The Jackie Robinson story¨( 1950) , ¨Disraeli¨(30) and adventure : ¨South of Pago Pago¨(40) , A thousand and one nights¨(40) . Rating : Better than average . The film will appeal to Western buffs .
Interesting Western without gunshot but with good feeling , romance , go riding , thrills and results to be pretty entertaining . Nice acting from Joel McCrea and Frances Dee , both of whom real-life husband and wife . Thoughtful performances from support cast such as Joseph Calleia , Charles Bickford playing a merciless Pat Garrett who did something else with his life apart from chasing Billy the Kid all over the immense territories . Furthermore , William Conrad , pre-Cannon , another bulky presence even at this early stage of his fruitful career , here performing another deputy chasing the protagonist . Atmospheric cinematography in black and white by Russell Harlan , being shot on location in El Morro National Monument, Ramah, New Mexico,Gallup, New Mexico, Red Rock Canyon State Park , Cantil, California, San Rafael, New Mexico, USA . Appropriate as well as evocative musical score by Paul Sawtell .
The motion picture professionally produced by Harry Sherman was well directed by Alfred E Green . Alfred was a good craftsman expert on all kind of genres such as Musical : ¨The fabulous Dorseys¨ (47) , ¨The Jolson story¨ (46), ¨Copacabana¨ (47) , Drama : ¨Dangerous (35) , Baby Face (33) , biography : ¨The Jackie Robinson story¨( 1950) , ¨Disraeli¨(30) and adventure : ¨South of Pago Pago¨(40) , A thousand and one nights¨(40) . Rating : Better than average . The film will appeal to Western buffs .
Beautiful looking movie.
pmtelefon6 July 2019
"Four Faces West" is a beautiful looking movie. It's often stunning to look at. The rest of the movie is good too. It has a fast moving, thoughtful story. It's well acted. I've become quite a fan of Joel McCrea lately. "Four Faces West" is a solid western for his resume.
"It's more profitable to catch a thief than to be one"
weezeralfalfa12 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Although Joel McCrea, as Ross McEwen, plays a small town bank robber in NM, this is not a shoot 'em up type western. As others have noted, no bullets nor arrows are fired, nor brawls instigated. Also,there's no cattle stampede or drive. It's a remarkably peaceable story, although there are a couple of stick ups. It was shot in crisp B&W, and the mostly rocky or sandy terrain is photogenic. It was shot mostly in several NM locations, including Inscription Rock, or in Red Rock Canyon, CA.
Joel is his usual laconic self. So, what does this screenplay offer that's of interest? It tells the story of an atypical bank robbery by a lone gunman, in broad daylight, with lots of people gathered in the street to welcome the new Federal marshal, Pat Garret(Charles Bickford), of Billy the Kid fame. Initially, Joel asked for a $2000.loan,but when he needed collateral to secure this, he pulled out his gun and demanded the $2000., backed by an IOU signed by Jefferson Davis. He wanted to take or send this money to his father, who needed it soon. Joel left the banker out in the desert with no horse and no shoes. He was hopping mad and slapped a $3000. reward for Joel's capture or corpse. As one companion said, "It's more profitable to catch a thief than to be a thief"(at least in this case).
There's a mysterious man dressed in all black, including hat. We meet him on the train when Joel hops on after ditching his horse and saddle. This man, whom we later discover is the famous Mexican gambler Monte, takes an inordinate interest in Joel. In fact, he seems to end up wherever Joel wanders throughout the film, sometimes helping Joel. Eventually, he figures out that Joel must be the bank robber the wanted flier talks about. However, he makes no move to try to collect the $3000. reward. He even throws away the stack of reward fliers remaining for the next town on the mail buckboard. He gets a horse for Joel at one point, and agrees to win some gambling money to start Joel's payback of his 'loan'. We never do discover an apparent motivation for Monte's favoring of Joel. It appears he just decided to like him.
Joel also meets a nurse, Fay,(she claims the train nurse?) on the train, who looks after his rattlesnake bite wound.(Don't know how she could help?). She also is destined to keep bumping into Joel, wherever he wanders. She too eventually guesses that he is the bank robber, but he seems like too nice a guy to be a badman. In fact, they kiss and hug a couple of times, and she rides with him for a stretch when he's trying to lose Garrett and Deputy. Joel claims he plans to pay the 'loan' back gradually. But, at a cowhand's wages, that will take years.
Still trying to evade Garrett, at one point, Joel takes the saddle off his horse, sending it on it's way, and puts it on a steer to confuse Garrett. He eventually comes across a cabin containing Mexicans, who are all sick, apparently of diphtheria. He decides to stay and do what he can to help them, like feeding them. He tears strips of cloth and soak them in fuel for the lantern(probably, kerosene!), then stuff this in their mouths! Well, a doctor and nurse eventually show up and do what they can(probably, essentially nothing, as no modern antibiotics or anti-toxin was then available.) Guess who the nurse turns out to be? Yep, Fay, played by Joel's real wife: Frances Dee. Garrett wasn't fooled by Joel's steer act, and arrives at the cabin, seeing what Joel is doing to help. He acts rather friendly, but later he and Fay finally convince Joel that he should turn himself in, and probably the judge will be lenient, given his subsequent behavior.
See it on YouTube
Joel is his usual laconic self. So, what does this screenplay offer that's of interest? It tells the story of an atypical bank robbery by a lone gunman, in broad daylight, with lots of people gathered in the street to welcome the new Federal marshal, Pat Garret(Charles Bickford), of Billy the Kid fame. Initially, Joel asked for a $2000.loan,but when he needed collateral to secure this, he pulled out his gun and demanded the $2000., backed by an IOU signed by Jefferson Davis. He wanted to take or send this money to his father, who needed it soon. Joel left the banker out in the desert with no horse and no shoes. He was hopping mad and slapped a $3000. reward for Joel's capture or corpse. As one companion said, "It's more profitable to catch a thief than to be a thief"(at least in this case).
There's a mysterious man dressed in all black, including hat. We meet him on the train when Joel hops on after ditching his horse and saddle. This man, whom we later discover is the famous Mexican gambler Monte, takes an inordinate interest in Joel. In fact, he seems to end up wherever Joel wanders throughout the film, sometimes helping Joel. Eventually, he figures out that Joel must be the bank robber the wanted flier talks about. However, he makes no move to try to collect the $3000. reward. He even throws away the stack of reward fliers remaining for the next town on the mail buckboard. He gets a horse for Joel at one point, and agrees to win some gambling money to start Joel's payback of his 'loan'. We never do discover an apparent motivation for Monte's favoring of Joel. It appears he just decided to like him.
Joel also meets a nurse, Fay,(she claims the train nurse?) on the train, who looks after his rattlesnake bite wound.(Don't know how she could help?). She also is destined to keep bumping into Joel, wherever he wanders. She too eventually guesses that he is the bank robber, but he seems like too nice a guy to be a badman. In fact, they kiss and hug a couple of times, and she rides with him for a stretch when he's trying to lose Garrett and Deputy. Joel claims he plans to pay the 'loan' back gradually. But, at a cowhand's wages, that will take years.
Still trying to evade Garrett, at one point, Joel takes the saddle off his horse, sending it on it's way, and puts it on a steer to confuse Garrett. He eventually comes across a cabin containing Mexicans, who are all sick, apparently of diphtheria. He decides to stay and do what he can to help them, like feeding them. He tears strips of cloth and soak them in fuel for the lantern(probably, kerosene!), then stuff this in their mouths! Well, a doctor and nurse eventually show up and do what they can(probably, essentially nothing, as no modern antibiotics or anti-toxin was then available.) Guess who the nurse turns out to be? Yep, Fay, played by Joel's real wife: Frances Dee. Garrett wasn't fooled by Joel's steer act, and arrives at the cabin, seeing what Joel is doing to help. He acts rather friendly, but later he and Fay finally convince Joel that he should turn himself in, and probably the judge will be lenient, given his subsequent behavior.
See it on YouTube
A mini Three Godfathers
bkoganbing29 May 2004
This is one of those independent films that turns into a classic. A previous reviewer had noted that not a shot was fired nor a punch thrown in this western and I ran it again to be sure. Absolutely correct.
Joel McCrea is the prototype strong silent western hero, his Virginian character now moved to the southwest. He's an amiable cuss, not a bad guy, a cowboy down on his luck who needs some quick cash. He robs the bank in a town where down the street, Pat Garrett is giving a speech about law and order. The embarrassed federal marshal, played by Charles Bickford gets together a posse and pursues McCrea across New Mexico.
Along the way, McCrea meets nurse Frances Dee and gambler Joseph Calleia who has a very ambiguous part. Because it's Joseph Calleia whose stock and trade is movie criminals you expect betrayal. Actually Calleia turns out to be McCrea's friend.
When McCrea goes back on the run the plot then turns into a mini-version of Three Godfathers. I won't say any more other than with Joel McCrea as hero, you're not going to be let down.
The film was produced by Harry "Pop" Sherman who was the original producer of the Hopalong Cassidy series. Hoppy was a noble a western hero as you can get and that's what Sherman gives us here.
This is one of the few films that Mr.and Mrs. Joel McCrea did together. And it's a work they can be proud of.
Joel McCrea is the prototype strong silent western hero, his Virginian character now moved to the southwest. He's an amiable cuss, not a bad guy, a cowboy down on his luck who needs some quick cash. He robs the bank in a town where down the street, Pat Garrett is giving a speech about law and order. The embarrassed federal marshal, played by Charles Bickford gets together a posse and pursues McCrea across New Mexico.
Along the way, McCrea meets nurse Frances Dee and gambler Joseph Calleia who has a very ambiguous part. Because it's Joseph Calleia whose stock and trade is movie criminals you expect betrayal. Actually Calleia turns out to be McCrea's friend.
When McCrea goes back on the run the plot then turns into a mini-version of Three Godfathers. I won't say any more other than with Joel McCrea as hero, you're not going to be let down.
The film was produced by Harry "Pop" Sherman who was the original producer of the Hopalong Cassidy series. Hoppy was a noble a western hero as you can get and that's what Sherman gives us here.
This is one of the few films that Mr.and Mrs. Joel McCrea did together. And it's a work they can be proud of.
Mild Western
kenjha17 November 2009
A decent man facing a desperate situation robs a bank and leaves an IOU. This is a strange Western in that not a single gunshot is fired or a punch thrown. It is not dull, however. There is enough action to keep it interesting, but the script, based on a novel by Western specialist Manlove (cool name) Rhodes, seems to be all over the place, including a hokey episode involving a dying Mexican family. McCrea is as earnest as ever as the hero (why he robbed the bank is not really explained) and gets to ride a cow across the desert! Dee (real-life Mrs. McCrea) makes a comely love interest. There are good performances from Bickford and Calleia.
First rate story, production, and cast. Not a sho...
Wrangler27 August 1998
Meh...
planktonrules5 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This western starring Joel McCrea is just plain bizarre. The film begins with a big celebration in a western town and Pat Garrett (the guy who captured Billy the Kid) was making a speech. At the same time, and here's where it gets weird, McCrea is robbing (of sorts) a bank in town. He initially asks for a loan but then pulls out a gun and demands exactly $2000! Huh?! Naturally, the banker is mad and gets a posse to look for McCrea--who has made a getaway in to the desert. However, he is bitten by a snake and makes his way to a nearby train where a nurse just happens to be available to treat him. Then, despite not knowing him at all, the woman hides McCrea and swears he MUST be innocent (which, incidentally, he ISN'T).
This is all very bizarre. Why steal $2000 and insist it's a loan? Why conveniently have a rattlesnake bite him AND conveniently have a nurse nearby who then falls for him? And, why would a woman with a young child suddenly risk everything for a man she doesn't even know?! None of this makes much sense though at least McCrea played nice cowboys and his acting in this sub-par film was pretty good. Forgettable and weird.
UPDATE: I rarely do this, but I decided to give this film another chance. Well, the second time around I appreciated it a lot more. Sure, the plot makes little sense at the beginning. I guess I just wasn't in a very good mood when I first saw it--the second time it worked better for me--and got better towards the end. Still not a great film--but worth seeing.
This is all very bizarre. Why steal $2000 and insist it's a loan? Why conveniently have a rattlesnake bite him AND conveniently have a nurse nearby who then falls for him? And, why would a woman with a young child suddenly risk everything for a man she doesn't even know?! None of this makes much sense though at least McCrea played nice cowboys and his acting in this sub-par film was pretty good. Forgettable and weird.
UPDATE: I rarely do this, but I decided to give this film another chance. Well, the second time around I appreciated it a lot more. Sure, the plot makes little sense at the beginning. I guess I just wasn't in a very good mood when I first saw it--the second time it worked better for me--and got better towards the end. Still not a great film--but worth seeing.
best western story ever
lazygmranch16 October 2001
Joel McCrea and Francis Dee are exceptional people. They made this one of the best family westerns of all time. To bad there are not anymore actors or actresses like this anymore. We have hit a low in good clean acting, and good movie plots.
Man Rides Cow
dsewizzrd-19 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Rather 'special' and moronic western.
A man steals from a bank, giving an IOU (?) and then plans to pay back the money (?). He gets on a train and avoids detection by tipping his hat (?). The train nurse (the train nurse ?) befriends him and goes on the run with him.
After a car chase (with horses), he ends up apparently back where he began. The nurse is captured, without arrest.
Throwing the switch to vaudeville, the man rides a calf to Mexico (very special scenes) and then nurses a Mexican family ill with diptheria.
He is discovered by the sheriff, leaves, and then gives himself up. It's special.
A man steals from a bank, giving an IOU (?) and then plans to pay back the money (?). He gets on a train and avoids detection by tipping his hat (?). The train nurse (the train nurse ?) befriends him and goes on the run with him.
After a car chase (with horses), he ends up apparently back where he began. The nurse is captured, without arrest.
Throwing the switch to vaudeville, the man rides a calf to Mexico (very special scenes) and then nurses a Mexican family ill with diptheria.
He is discovered by the sheriff, leaves, and then gives himself up. It's special.
An unusually relaxed Western
Varlaam31 August 1999
That's a tone which suits the film's unflappable star, Joel McCrea, fairly well. McCrea is a Good Samaritan bandit on the run.
He meets up with his real-life wife, Frances Dee. This is the last time they would appear on screen together. Here she gives one of her least expressionless performances. Her acting may not be of the first calibre, or even the second, but she still looks wonderful for someone on, or quickly approaching, the seasoned side of 40.
William Conrad plays a baritonal lawman here. Was this before or after he was radio's Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke"?
"Four Faces West" is not without its problems. The entire story has an air of nebulous implausibility which betrays its Saturday Evening Post origins.
But, while the movie generates little excitement, it's still a pleasant enough way to spend a siesta some lazy Sunday afternoon.
He meets up with his real-life wife, Frances Dee. This is the last time they would appear on screen together. Here she gives one of her least expressionless performances. Her acting may not be of the first calibre, or even the second, but she still looks wonderful for someone on, or quickly approaching, the seasoned side of 40.
William Conrad plays a baritonal lawman here. Was this before or after he was radio's Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke"?
"Four Faces West" is not without its problems. The entire story has an air of nebulous implausibility which betrays its Saturday Evening Post origins.
But, while the movie generates little excitement, it's still a pleasant enough way to spend a siesta some lazy Sunday afternoon.
Solid McCrea Western
dougdoepke1 March 2008
Nicely paced Western with different kind of story line and excellent use of wide-open vistas. First half is surprisingly easy-going, even with the brief robbery scene. My guess is that McCrea had a lot to do with putting together this independent production. It certainly provides his real life wife Frances Dee with a plum part. Their growing attachment during that first half appears both real and rather charming, and also makes good use of the quietly observant Calleia and an obnoxious little boy who should be riding next to W C Fields as punishment. Then too, the apparently authentic legend of 'paso por aqui' is skillfully integrated into the movie's basic theme.
The second half is more routine as the posse tries to track down McCrea while he flees across the badlands. The afflicted ranch scene is rather overdone as is the heavenly choir at the end. All in all, we don't need to be hit over the head since the movie's intentions have been clear for some time. An interesting question concerns whether the story would have achieved more clout had we not known early on that McCrea was stealing the money for noble reasons, though I don't believe we ever find out the details. Two good unexpected touches-- the bull ride to throw off the posse, and what a sight that makes! Also, despite all the eager bounty hunters with their six-guns in evidence, I don't believe a single shot is fired throughout the 90 minutes.
Perhaps that last point is not too surprising since the personal McCrea appears to have been very much his own man, and not exactly the flashy Hollywood type. One thing for sure, he never overplayed any of his many roles. In fact, his presence here does nothing that would call attention to himself. In a part that calls for an air of quiet nobility, that's exactly what we get and to fine effect. Too bad, those quiet manly virtues from overlooked performers such as McCrea are largely absent among today's many over-sized movie egos.
The second half is more routine as the posse tries to track down McCrea while he flees across the badlands. The afflicted ranch scene is rather overdone as is the heavenly choir at the end. All in all, we don't need to be hit over the head since the movie's intentions have been clear for some time. An interesting question concerns whether the story would have achieved more clout had we not known early on that McCrea was stealing the money for noble reasons, though I don't believe we ever find out the details. Two good unexpected touches-- the bull ride to throw off the posse, and what a sight that makes! Also, despite all the eager bounty hunters with their six-guns in evidence, I don't believe a single shot is fired throughout the 90 minutes.
Perhaps that last point is not too surprising since the personal McCrea appears to have been very much his own man, and not exactly the flashy Hollywood type. One thing for sure, he never overplayed any of his many roles. In fact, his presence here does nothing that would call attention to himself. In a part that calls for an air of quiet nobility, that's exactly what we get and to fine effect. Too bad, those quiet manly virtues from overlooked performers such as McCrea are largely absent among today's many over-sized movie egos.
OFF-BEAT...STRANGELY EFFECTIVE NON-VIOLENT WESTERN...BEAUTIFULLY SHOT HEART-FELT STORY
LeonLouisRicci12 August 2021
Real Life Married Couple Joel McRea and Francis Dee in a Strange Western with a Heart Rending Story of Love and Morality.
Great Outdoor Scenery Among a Rocky Back-Drop.
Softly-Spoken, Down to Earth Display of Love on the Run.
A Doctor, Nurse, and Famous Lawman Pat Garrett are Among the Characters at the Center of this Western where Not One Shot is Fired and Not One Punch Thrown.
A Helping-Hand to a Dying Mexican Family Solidifies the Character and Soul of McRea who is Fleeing a Posse After Robbing a Bank.
While Giving the Teller an IOU.
Another Strange Occurrence has the Desperate Cowboy Roping and Taming a Bull and Riding it Across a Wide-Opened Desert.
Docile, Pacifistic, Against-the-Grain Tale with a Strong Script, Good Acting, and Cinematography that Embraces.
You Would Have to Search Long and Hard to Find a Western that is this Odd and Likeable that Plays the Heartstrings Without Being Overly Sentimental.
A One of a Kind.
Great Outdoor Scenery Among a Rocky Back-Drop.
Softly-Spoken, Down to Earth Display of Love on the Run.
A Doctor, Nurse, and Famous Lawman Pat Garrett are Among the Characters at the Center of this Western where Not One Shot is Fired and Not One Punch Thrown.
A Helping-Hand to a Dying Mexican Family Solidifies the Character and Soul of McRea who is Fleeing a Posse After Robbing a Bank.
While Giving the Teller an IOU.
Another Strange Occurrence has the Desperate Cowboy Roping and Taming a Bull and Riding it Across a Wide-Opened Desert.
Docile, Pacifistic, Against-the-Grain Tale with a Strong Script, Good Acting, and Cinematography that Embraces.
You Would Have to Search Long and Hard to Find a Western that is this Odd and Likeable that Plays the Heartstrings Without Being Overly Sentimental.
A One of a Kind.
Humanist western!!!
elo-equipamentos1 October 2018
As long l can remenber l've never seen Joel McCrea as bad guy, this picture show us a different kind of western, no shooting, gunfighters or villains, the whole story is driven to give a second chance that every man deserves, even asking a loan under a gun has an politeness way and promising to pay soon he can, when meets Monte as suspicious man on a train everthing seems getting worst, such ambiguous gambler that wore a black clothes giving us a false impression that double cross in near, instead this easy spoken mexican was misunderstood on purpose, the girl that he meets as nurse to care him after snake's bite stay clear love at first sigh,a gentle Garret was another high point as human's point of view, the largely beautiful dry lanscape with several fine spots including the scratch rocks is quite remarkable scene, anyway a little gem to relish in a quiet room this humanist western!!
Resume:
First watch: 2018 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 8.5
Resume:
First watch: 2018 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 8.5
Beautifully photographed too by Hal Rosson
filmart-226 August 2018
Harold Rosson must have been an interesting character. He was briefly married to Jean Harlow, for one thing. He was a top cinematographer for many years for MGM (check him out in IMDb). On this very moderately budgeted film, his pictures are just beautiful all through. Contrary to one reviewer, I found his depictions of Frances Dee most expressive and elegant too. Was this a sort of busman's holiday for Rosson, getting out of the studio quite a bit? Was he helping out a friend, or what took him to this assignment?
Husband and wife team of McRae and Dee merely add to greatness
morrisonhimself16 November 2017
Joseph Calleia stands out in this sympathetic role, possibly the best he was ever offered.
Frances Dee stands out, for her beauty, her riding ability, and for handling a role more complex than any other in "Four Faces West."
Joel McRae stands out -- and, really, he always does.
Charles Bickford stands out, though he is not the cowboy the others are, but he is another who always shines, in whatever role.
Dan White stands out, in one of his biggest and most sympathetic roles, and shows he could have done even more in his career.
The entire cast stands out, with such greats as Sam Flint and William Conrad and veteran, but young-looking Eva Novak.
The script stands out, as does the story on which it is based.
In short, "Four Faces West" easily earns the 10 stars I give it. And there is a good print at YouTube that I highly recommend.
Frances Dee stands out, for her beauty, her riding ability, and for handling a role more complex than any other in "Four Faces West."
Joel McRae stands out -- and, really, he always does.
Charles Bickford stands out, though he is not the cowboy the others are, but he is another who always shines, in whatever role.
Dan White stands out, in one of his biggest and most sympathetic roles, and shows he could have done even more in his career.
The entire cast stands out, with such greats as Sam Flint and William Conrad and veteran, but young-looking Eva Novak.
The script stands out, as does the story on which it is based.
In short, "Four Faces West" easily earns the 10 stars I give it. And there is a good print at YouTube that I highly recommend.
A great romantic story with some mistakes.
ptsj-music17 May 2018
Seriously - this is one of the best old romantic westerns I've seen, and all the way back from 1948. Great story and good acting. Photography is top. The characters are also very real, and in the beginning there's actually a real Apache or Navajo. Fantastic due to the age. Though it's well composed, conducted and recorded, one drawback is the over dramatic music, because it's constantly present, unnecessarily, but it's just typical old style, I guess. Some quite big editing faults are also a minus. The actors have occasionally changed positions from one second to another. I figure they just were so blinded by the acting, the romance and the amazing scenery that they simply forgot themselves.
Superb in all departments!
JohnHowardReid26 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
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.
Every man deserves a second chance
dbdumonteil20 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
An unfairly unsung western,almost completely devoid of violence ,of fights,of your average western clichés;the subject is the second chance ,the free will,without preachy moral.A subject Delmer Daves would resume in "the last wagon" in the fifties.
This is to my knowledge the only western in which bullets are used to relieve the suffering:this scene where Joel McCrea opens them to get the sulfur ,his struggle against diphtheria ,injecting more tenderness you might think possible when he talks to the sick children are among the most moving in the western genre .
The female part (played by Frances Dee who has wonderful eyes) is not decorative:as a nurse,whose duty is to heal the pain,she shows Ewan the way when she calls him coward before leaving him:had the hero not met her,he would probably have ignored the dying family and gone his way.
The rock gives this tale a legendary side ;Ross becomes a legend in his own time .Oddly ,the following year,Joel McCrea would play another character ("Colorado Territory" ,Raoul Walsh)whose (tragic) legendary tale is told by a priest.
This is to my knowledge the only western in which bullets are used to relieve the suffering:this scene where Joel McCrea opens them to get the sulfur ,his struggle against diphtheria ,injecting more tenderness you might think possible when he talks to the sick children are among the most moving in the western genre .
The female part (played by Frances Dee who has wonderful eyes) is not decorative:as a nurse,whose duty is to heal the pain,she shows Ewan the way when she calls him coward before leaving him:had the hero not met her,he would probably have ignored the dying family and gone his way.
The rock gives this tale a legendary side ;Ross becomes a legend in his own time .Oddly ,the following year,Joel McCrea would play another character ("Colorado Territory" ,Raoul Walsh)whose (tragic) legendary tale is told by a priest.
A most unusual western
mikeolliffe18 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
To start with, I agree with all of the positive reviews published here.
Secondly, I was astonished to discover that no gunfire had taken place during the movie. I guess that shows how brainwashed I've been, by years of watching westerns.. There are several occasions when it was on the verge of happening. In one nerve-wracking scene, the baddies mistake an innocent young woman for their target and almost shoot her.
The protagonist (Joel McCrea) is immensely helped throughout by a complete stranger.(another reviewer has also commented) for no discernible reason. Joseph Calleia, dressed in black, looks a) a total bad man and b) someone who might easily turn the hero in for the reward money ($3,000) a sizeable amount in those days and not too shabby now). Oddly, the movie does not show McCrea doing anything to earn this man's friendship and trust. (maybe edited out to keep up the pace?)
Contains some good tips on how to avoid a posse not usually explored in other westerns. Also discovered here that Joel and female lead Frances Dee were married in real life. Frances has an incredible beauty that is loved by the camera. This alone makes the movie worth seeing. Okay, what other real-life married couple appeared in a movie partly set on a train? (HINT...Breakheart Pass)
Secondly, I was astonished to discover that no gunfire had taken place during the movie. I guess that shows how brainwashed I've been, by years of watching westerns.. There are several occasions when it was on the verge of happening. In one nerve-wracking scene, the baddies mistake an innocent young woman for their target and almost shoot her.
The protagonist (Joel McCrea) is immensely helped throughout by a complete stranger.(another reviewer has also commented) for no discernible reason. Joseph Calleia, dressed in black, looks a) a total bad man and b) someone who might easily turn the hero in for the reward money ($3,000) a sizeable amount in those days and not too shabby now). Oddly, the movie does not show McCrea doing anything to earn this man's friendship and trust. (maybe edited out to keep up the pace?)
Contains some good tips on how to avoid a posse not usually explored in other westerns. Also discovered here that Joel and female lead Frances Dee were married in real life. Frances has an incredible beauty that is loved by the camera. This alone makes the movie worth seeing. Okay, what other real-life married couple appeared in a movie partly set on a train? (HINT...Breakheart Pass)
Musical score
thirsch-27 May 2006
The musical score reminds me very, very much of Howard Hanson's "Romantic Symphony," a favorite of mine. Anyone else notice the similarity?
This is a beautiful little film, notable for its sympathetic characters, beautiful B&W cinematography, and gentle story (somewhat weepy).
The actors are quite good, especially Chares Bickford, who appeared in "Johnny Belinda" at about the same year, as Jane Wyman's father. Mrs. McCrae has an almost expressionless face, which is not good. Her husband is as handsome as ever.
This is a beautiful little film, notable for its sympathetic characters, beautiful B&W cinematography, and gentle story (somewhat weepy).
The actors are quite good, especially Chares Bickford, who appeared in "Johnny Belinda" at about the same year, as Jane Wyman's father. Mrs. McCrae has an almost expressionless face, which is not good. Her husband is as handsome as ever.
Redemption Western; great McCrea, Bickford performances
adrianovasconcelos5 December 2020
I had never heard of Director Alfred E. Green but nothing green about his direction. This is a mature look at a man's conscious decision to commit robbery and what he does to appease his conscience and rejoin society as a normal, law abiding citizen.
Although not an actor of the highest caliber, and certainly not a very versatile one, McCrea plays himself and I certainly feel privileged to watch him every time. He appears here alongside his real life wife Frances Dee (their marriage lasted 57 years).
The would be criminsl played by McCrea does not have that many enemies, although half the town is after his blood. Rather, he is fighting his own conscience and this is a movie about redemption. He achieves it by assisting a Mexican family dying of diphteria - a touching sequence redolent with humane touches and credible selflessness.
Unique, must-see Western
Although not an actor of the highest caliber, and certainly not a very versatile one, McCrea plays himself and I certainly feel privileged to watch him every time. He appears here alongside his real life wife Frances Dee (their marriage lasted 57 years).
The would be criminsl played by McCrea does not have that many enemies, although half the town is after his blood. Rather, he is fighting his own conscience and this is a movie about redemption. He achieves it by assisting a Mexican family dying of diphteria - a touching sequence redolent with humane touches and credible selflessness.
Unique, must-see Western
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