The Way West (film)

Infobox_Film
name = The Way West


imdb_id = 0062479
producer = Harold Hecht
director = Andrew V. McLaglen
writer = A.B. Guthrie Jr. (novel)
Mitch Lindemann
Ben Maddow (screenwriter)
starring = Kirk Douglas
Robert Mitchum
Richard Widmark
Lola Albright
Jack Elam
Sally Field
Stubby Kaye

music = Bronislau Kaper
cinematography = William H. Clothier
editing = Otho Lovering
distributor = United Artists
released = May 24, 1967
runtime = 122 min.
language = English

"The Way West" is a 1967 epic western film based on the novel by A. B. Guthrie, Jr.. The film stars Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, Richard Widmark, and Sally Field in her first film role. The film was directed by veteran television director Andrew V. McLaglen and featured breathtaking on-location cinematography by William H. Clothier. Though reviews were mixed, critics such as Roger Ebert praised the film for its realistic portrayal of settlers and their motivations. [http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19670620/REVIEWS/706200301/1023]

Plot

The film follows former senator William Tudlock (Kirk Douglas) as he leads a wagon train from along the Oregon Trail from Missouri with the help of hired guide Dick Summers (Robert Mitchum). After several accidents which cost settlers lives, a mutiny of sorts develops and his position is overtaken by Lije Evans (Richard Widmark). Soon, different factions develop amongst the train as they try to survive their trek to Oregon.

The film is notable for being the first big-budget western since 1930's "The Big Trail" to show pioneers lowering a wagon train over a cliff with ropes.

Cast

External links