Directed by Alfred E. Green
Starring Joel McCrea, Frances Dee, Charles Bickford, Joseph Calleia, William Conrad
It didn’t do well when it came out. But to those familiar with it today, Four Faces West (1948) is a minor masterpiece.
It’s a movie that plays with the audience at every turn, always offering up a fresh take on convention. The performances are excellent, Alfred E. Green’s direction is right on the money, and Russell Harlan’s cinematography is terrific.
Kino Lorber has announced a DVD and Blu-Ray release in early 2017. You don’t want to miss this one, folks.
Certainly not want to miss Four Faces West, a wonderful film, I saw in 1948 at a cinema near my home. Additionally, I have read Eugene Manlove Rhodes novel, but it lacked the charm and drama of the film. Whoever said books are always better than their adaptations, surely did not get it right in this case. As aside: Success does matter. For all his charm, depth and attractive demeanor, Joel McCrea in his post Buffalo Bill/The Virginian years, made many films that did not find a significant audience, as opposed to John Wayne and Randolph Scott’s work. At one point, and for several years, both Scott and Wayne appeared in the top ten box office attractions, Wayne, of course, at the top of that list.
I have never seen Four Faces West but heard it was very good. I will definitely be buying this BluRay.
Highly recommended, Tom! An unusual and most charming western.
Have a good Christmas.
I have never seen this in top quality, so let’s hope Kino Lorber give us something special.
Any one who has read my comments about this film will know how I feel about it. One of my most watched films which came to my attention about 5 years ago .I already have the Spanish and UK copies of this film which are distributed by Ignite films but this is a new transfer from Paramount .If Kino Lorber give us a good restoration I will certainly upgrade .
How about a good copy of DRAGOON WELLS MASSACRE if any of you companies are reading this.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year everyone .
As has already been pointed out this is a really charming movie. Joel McCrea is excellent as always. I have heard that this is the only western in which not one shot is fired. You rarely see a drama in which pretty well everyone behaves well (except for robbing the bank). It’s probably one of my five favourite Joel McCrea movies.