Just what my day needed — a little Budd Boetticher. First, I hung a title card for Buchanan Rides Alone (1958) in my office, then Seminole (1953) hits DVD. With Budd behind the camera and Rock Hudson, Anthony Quinn, Richard Carlson, Barbara Hale and Lee Marvin in front of it, it’s a good one.
Saw an IB Technicolor 16mm print of this thing years ago, and the color is still seared into my brain.
When I saw Seminole again, after a gap of many years, I found myself a little underwhelmed. Like most Boetticher films, it’s best parts take place outdoors and the interior scenes drag a little. On the plus side Lee Marvin’s got a nice supporting role, and the action scenes are well done.
I wonder how the US release will look – the UK disc from Optimum is kind of soft and muddy.
Last time I saw Seminole (TCM maybe?), it was a bit muddy. Universal’s transfers are usually so spot-on these days, so I’m hoping this one turns out to be a big improvement.
I agree about the film itself. My take on Boetticher is that he could knock a good script out of the park, but he doesn’t add much to spotty material — unlike, say, Don Siegel. And he much preferred being outside vs. a soundstage.
You know, I was watching The Law and Jake Wade the other day (and I’m in the process of cobbling together some thoughts on it right now) and I found myself thinking on this viewing that it bore a resemblance to the Boetticher/Scott stuff. I mean in the characterisations, the locations, and general structure. Am I talking nonsense or do you see any of that?
Right off the top of my head, I’d say no. But giving it a minute’s thought, yes.
First, they all have the general 50s Western vibe in spades.
Next, they not only have Lone Pine in common, but Lone Pine IN COLOR, which is pretty rare.
The Boetticher pictures are very lean, where Wade has a more complex plot.
But you’re right, structure-wise they do resemble each other a bit.
And I think Sturges and Boetticher were similar in their use of ‘Scope. Both used it to tremendous advantage, not to cram stuff in the frame but to use it to show isolation. Brilliant.
T