Posted in 1958, Ads, Albert Zugsmith, Carl Guthrie, Forrest Tucker, Jack Arnold, Joel McCrea, Joseph H. Newman, Kino Lorber on July 4, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Now this was a great way to celebrate our nation’s independence, with a double feature of High School Confidential! and Fort Massacre (both 1958) at the Palace in Marion, Ohio, in 1958. Remember, Fort Massacre is coming on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.
Here’s hoping you all have a fun, safe Fourth.
Posted in 1958, Carl Guthrie, Denver Pyle, DVD reviews, releases, TV, etc., Forrest Tucker, Joel McCrea, Joseph H. Newman, Kino Lorber, United Artists on June 25, 2015| 17 Comments »
Directed by Joseph H. Newman
Written by Martin M. Goldsmith
Director Of Photography: Carl Guthrie
Starring Joel McCrea, Forrest Tucker, Susan Cabot, John Russell, George N. Neise, Anthony Caruso, Denver Pyle
Every so often, someone will complain about how light Joel McCrea’s 50s Westerns were, but that’s something Fort Massacre (1958) will never be accused of being. It’s a really good picture with a tough, dark turn from McCrea — one of his best performances, I’d say. And Kino Lorber will bring it to Blu-ray before the year’s up.
McCrea is Sgt. Vinson, a bitter cavalryman driven by a hatred of the Apaches, who massacred his family. When the commanding officer is killed in an ambush, McCrea takes the opportunity to lead the troops through Apache territory — for what the men begin to suspect are personal reasons.
It was written by Martin M. Goldsmith, known for a couple of top-notch noirs — Detour (1945) and The Narrow Margin (1952). He brought a lot of Detour‘s fatalism to Fort Massacre (1958). Joseph. Newman’s direction is tight and assured, making the most of a small budget, and Carl Guthrie makes sure it all looks terrific. Highly, highly recommended. No, make that essential.
Posted in 1959, Carl Guthrie, Daniel B. Ullman, DVD reviews, releases, TV, etc., Joel McCrea, Joseph H. Newman, Julie Adams, Kino Lorber, Nancy Gates, United Artists on June 24, 2015| 12 Comments »
Directed by Joseph H. Newman
Screenplay by Daniel B. Ullman and Martin M. Goldsmith
Starring Joel McCrea, Julie Adams, John McIntire, Nancy Gates, Don Haggerty, Timothy Carey
The Gunfight At Dodge City (1959) is a solid Joel McCrea picture, with a great cast and terrific CinemaScope photography from Carl Guthrie (whose late-50s Westerns are a thing of beauty). This is another fine example of what a middle-budget Western could be, and it’s coming to Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.
Bat Masterson (McCrea) winds up in Dodge City, pinning on the sheriff’s badge to clean up the town and avenge the death of his brother. Along the way, he has to choose between Julie Adams and Nancy Gates — if only real life was like this!
McCrea went into The Gunfight At Dodge City (1959) with retirement in mind — this was to be his last picture. But Sam Peckinpah (and Randolph Scott) lured him back in the saddle with Ride The High Country (1962).
Thanks to John Knight.
Posted in 1952, 20th Century-Fox, DVD reviews, releases, TV, etc., Joseph H. Newman, Tyrone Power on January 18, 2013| 22 Comments »
Twilight Time, a series of limited-edition DVDs and Blu-rays of Fox titles (usually just 3,000 copies), has finally gotten around to a 50s Western, Pony Soldier (1952). It has a proposed release date of February 12.
It’s kind of a quasi-Western, with Tyrone Power as a Canadian Mountie trying to get a band of Indians back on the reservation. Directed by Joseph M. Newman (Fort Massacre), the Blu-ray will feature Alex North’s terrific score on an isolated track.
Thanks to a couple of readers for the tip.
50 Westerns From The 50s. 