Red River (1948)

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  • RED RIVER


    DIRECTED BY HOWARD HAWKS
    PRODUCED BY HOWARD HAWKS/ CHARLES K. FELDMAN
    MUSIC BY DIMITRI TIOMKIN
    MONTERY PRODUCTIONS
    UNITED ARTISTS


    a_way698[1].jpg
    Photo with the courtesy of lasbugas


    INFORMATION FROM IMDb


    Plot Summary
    Tom Dunson builds a cattle empire with his adopted son Matthew Garth.
    Together they begin a massive cattle drive north from Texas to the Missouri railhead.
    But on the way, new information and Dunson's tyrannical ways cause Matthew to take the herd away from Dunson
    and head to a new railhead in Kansas. Dunson, swearing vengeance, pursues.
    Summary written by Jim Beaver


    Full Cast
    John Wayne .... Thomas Dunson
    Montgomery Clift .... Matthew 'Matt' Garth
    Joanne Dru .... Tess Millay
    Walter Brennan .... 'Groot' Nadine
    Coleen Gray .... Fen
    Harry Carey .... Mr. Melville (as Harry Carey Sr.)
    John Ireland .... Cherry Valance
    Noah Beery Jr. .... Buster McGee
    Harry Carey Jr. .... Dan Latimer
    Chief Yowlachie .... Quo (as Chief Yowlatchie)
    Paul Fix .... Teeler Yacey
    Hank Worden .... Simms Reeves
    Mickey Kuhn .... Matt, as a boy
    Ray Hyke .... Walt Jergens
    Wally Wales .... Old Leather (as Hal Talliaferro)
    Lane Chandler .... Colonel (uncredited)
    Davison Clark .... Mr. Meeker (uncredited)
    Harry Cording .... Gambler (uncredited)
    Richard Farnsworth .... Dunston Rider (uncredited)
    Paul Fierro .... Fernandez (uncredited)
    George Lloyd .... Rider with Mr. Melville (uncredited)
    Pierce Lyden .... Colonel's Trail Boss (uncredited)
    John Merton .... Settler (uncredited)
    Ivan Parry .... Bunk Kenneally (uncredited)
    Lee Phelps .... Gambler (uncredited)
    William Self .... Wounded Wrangler (uncredited)
    Glenn Strange .... Naylor (uncredited)
    Tom Tyler .... The Quitter (uncredited)
    Dan White .... Laredo (uncredited)
    Shelley Winters .... Dance Hall Girl in Wagon Train (uncredited)


    Stunts
    Richard Farnsworth .... stunts (uncredited)
    Ben Johnson .... stunts (uncredited)
    Fred Kennedy .... stunts (uncredited)
    Danny Sands .... stunts (uncredited)
    Jack Williams .... stunts (uncredited)


    Writing Credits
    Borden Chase screenplay & story The Chisholm Trail)
    Charles Schnee (screenplay)


    Original Music
    Dimitri Tiomkin


    Cinematography
    Russell Harlan


    Trivia
    Filmed in 1946 but held for release for two years, in part due to legal problems with Howard Hughes who claimed it was similar to his The Outlaw (1943).


    Texas Longhorn cattle had been nearly extinct as a breed for about 50 years when this film was made. Only a few dozen animals were available. In the herd scenes most of the cattle are Hereford crosses with the precious Longhorns prominently placed in crucial scenes.


    The theme song, "Settle Down" was later used under the title "My Rifle, My Pony and Me" in Rio Bravo (1959), another John Wayne western.


    There was some concern that John Wayne and Montgomery Clift would not get along since they were diametrically opposed on all political issues, and both were outspoken on their views. According to legend they agreed not to discuss politics and the shooting went smoothly. However both Wayne and Walter Brennan would not get along with Clift since they were aware of his homosexuality, and they stayed away from the young actor when not filming. At one point Wayne tried to have Clift replaced when he heard that his co-star was having an affair with John Ireland. Clift later turned down Dean Martin's role in Rio Bravo (1959) because he did not want to be reunited with those two actors.


    Five dams were built to bring the San Pedro River in Arizona, where the crossings were shot, to flood stage.


    In a 1974 interview, Howard Hawks said that he originally offered the role of Thomas Dunson to Gary Cooper but he had declined it because he didn't believe the ruthless nature of Dunson's character would have suited his screen image.


    The role of Tess Millay was intended for Margaret Sheridan but she became pregnant shortly before filming. Instead she suggested her friend Joanne Dru for the role.


    Cary Grant (who had worked with Howard Hawks on Bringing Up Baby (1938) and Only Angels Have Wings (1939)) turned down the role of gunslinger Cherry Valance, a part that was subsequently minimized in the final film.


    During production, many members of the cast and crew caught illnesses and injuries. Howard Hawks was hospitalized for several days after being stung by a centipede. John Wayne caught a severe cold. Joanne Dru suffered from influenza.


    This is Montgomery Clift's debut film, but because it was shelved for 2 years, the first film the public saw of Clift was The Search (1948), which he was Oscar-nominated for.


    Upon completing this movie, Howard Hawks gave John Wayne a belt buckle that featured the Red River D logo (Wayne later wore this as part of his costume in El Dorado (1966)). Wayne later returned the favor and gave Hawks a twin buckle.


    Ranked #5 on the American Film Institute's list of the 10 greatest films in the genre "Western" in June 2008.


    After seeing John Wayne's performance in Red River (1948), directed by rival director Howard Hawks, John Ford is quoted as saying, "I never knew the big son of a bitch could act."


    The only film that father, Harry Carey, and son, Harry Carey Jr. appeared together in.


    The famous scene where Montgomery Clift and John Ireland compare their revolvers was allegedly a reference to the affair they were having in real life.


    Howard Hawks was distressed by John Ireland's unprofessional and lecherous behavior during filming, which were partially due to the actor's alcoholism. This contributed to Ireland's part, "Cherry Valance", being drastically reduced in the finished film. At one point, Cary Grant was in consideration for the part (he turned it down).


    Writer Borden Chase readily admitted that the storyline was Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) with saddles and stirrups.


    Howard Hawks originally wanted Gregg Toland as his director of photography. When Toland proved unavailable, he had to go with Russell Harlan instead.


    Final film of Harry Carey


    "Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on March 7, 1949 with John Wayne, Joanne Dru and Walter Brennan reprising their film roles.


    "Red River" was 1948's third highest grossing film at $4,150,000. Only "The Road to Rio" ($4,500,000) and "Easter Parade" ($4,200,000) made more.


    Goofs
    * nachronisms: The film is set in 1865 yet several Colt Model 1873 Single-Action Army Revolvers are seen which were not available until later.


    * Anachronisms: When they are driving the cattle and go to the aid of the wagon train, a communications mast can be seen on the hill in the background of one shot of the five horsemen. The next shot is a closer view of one rider and the mast can be seen even more clearly.


    * Factual errors: The film gives 14 August 1865 as the completion of the first cattle drive on the Chisholm Trail. However, the first cattle drive on the Chisholm Trail started and finished in 1867, two years later.


    * Crew or equipment visible: An equipment shadow tracks across the wagon as the camera pans from Groot to Dunson during their first night on guard at Red River.


    * Continuity: During the cattle stampede, Dunson, Matt and the other cowboys saddle up and try to turn the herd. Process shots of each cowboys are inserted in the scene. Every cowboy is riding the same dummy horse and saddle with a very large Mexican saddlehorn.


    * Continuity: Inside the tent, during Tom and Tess's conversation, the lamp hanging between them changes positions and disappears between shots.


    * Continuity: Near the end of the film, when Tom walks toward Matt, his shadow changes repeatedly from one shot to another.


    * Continuity: When Dunson is standing next to his horse after Mathew Garth takes the herd from him, he clearly has a belt full of cartridges, but later on Mathew confirms to Groot that he took all of Dunson's cartridges.


    * Revealing mistakes: Matthew Garth seems to beat Thomas Dunson to the draw in a mock contest orchestrated by Dunston and Groot Nadine. However the gun is already in Garth's right hand in order to fool the audience, as evidenced by the his empty holster as he walks away.


    * Continuity: Near the end of the movie, John Wayne is shot. After a fight with Montgomery Clift, Wayne is miraculously well again.


    * Continuity: As the men and the herd approach the railroad, the clouds change from scattered to clear, to overcast as they approach the town of Abilene.


    * Errors in geography: The trail would not go near any mountains.


    * Errors in geography: The "Red River" is flowing the wrong direction. If the herd is crossing from south to north, the water should be flowing from west to east, or from the left side of the screen to the right.


    * Errors in geography: The "Red River" is flowing the wrong direction! If the herd is crossing from south to north, the water should be flowing from west to east, or from the left side of the screen to the right.


    * Miscellaneous: Dunson's final design for the ranch's brand includes "D" for Dunson, but "M" for Matthew - why not "G" for Garth?


    * Anachronisms: Film set in 1865, but using Model 1892 Winchesters to shoot Indians when they attack the wagon train.


    Memorable Quotes


    Filming Locations
    Elgin, Arizona, USA
    Lil' Boquillas Ranch, Fairbank, Arizona, USA
    Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
    San Pedro River, Arizona, USA
    Warner Brothers-The Lot - 1041 N. Formosa Avenue, West Hollywood, California, USA (studio)
    Tucson, Arizona, USA
    Whetstone Mountains, Arizona, USA

    Best Wishes
    Keith
    London- England

    Edited 8 times, last by ethanedwards ().

  • Red River is a 1948 Western film directed and produced by Howard Hawks,
    giving a fictional account of the first cattle drive from Texas to Kansas along the Chisholm Trail.
    The dramatic tension stems from a growing feud over the management of the drive,
    between the Texas rancher who initiated it (John Wayne) and his adopted adult son (Montgomery Clift).


    The film also starred Joanne Dru, Walter Brennan, Coleen Gray, Harry Carey,
    John Ireland, Hank Worden, Noah Beery Jr.
    and Harry Carey, Jr.
    Borden Chase and Charles Schnee wrote the screenplay, based on Chase's original story
    (which was first serialized in The Saturday Evening Post in 1946 as "Blazing Guns on the Chisholm Trail").


    This film is right up there in the Top 5, all time greats.
    I rate this film very highly, and Duke, mastered the part
    of the brooding, moody, Dunson with great skill.
    Although, ,critics thought the casting of Clift, was lightweight,
    however, Montgomery acquitted himself well.


    When Duke met Montgomery for the first time, he asked Howard,

    Quote

    Howard, do you think, you can get anything going, between, that kid and myself?
    I don't think we can make a fight. That kid isn't going to be able, to stand up to me


    Montgomery apparently got up at, 5 in the morning, worked hard with the wranglers,
    before the days shooting begun.
    Duke was so impressed, with his determination, he taught him how to use a gun, throw punches etc..
    Montgomery responded to Duke's power, and their different approaches
    blended brilliantly..

    Montgomery was much shorter than Duke so,to make the climatic fight,
    more balanced, he had Dunson, shot in the leg!!
    With a great support cast, including the brilliant Walter Brennan,
    and Joanne Dru, the film was destined to be, more than good.


    John Ford, said that in this the film, John Wayne became an actor,
    he was right, but it also goes to prove, that it just wasn't Ford,
    who got the best out of Duke!
    Duke at this time credited Hawks, has being the second great
    influence, in his life.


    Below is a great web-site,


    RED RIVER


    User Review

    Quote

    A much neglected Classic western!
    30 May 1999 | by Lawrence Davis (Medicine Hat, Alberta)


    I was the "first kid on the block" to purchase a VCR, way back in the late 60's...the RCA VBT200...no timer, no remote, no nothing! Paid $1200.00 for it (Canadian funds!)and ALL my friends told me I was nuts. I TRIED to tell them that, eventually, everybody would own a VCR but was shouted down. In any case, Red River was the first movie I taped and, deleting commercial breaks, I was ecstatic to have a Hollywood movie on hand to watch whenever the urge arose. And WHAT A MOVIE!!! I agree with earlier comments re John Wayne...who usually just played John Wayne. In THIS one, and "The Searchers", however, the director got one helluva performance out of the Duke. Also, the second movie performance by the tragical Montgomery Clift...so "pretty" in the Mohammed Ali sense that I virtually fell in love with him myself, even though I was a "straight" teenaged boy. From the opening credits, with that almost Wagnerian music by Dmitri Tiomkin, this movie (shot in 1946 and held 'til 1948 for release...I forget why)should be compulsory viewing for the brain-dead Hollywood moguls of today. Actually, there are no "moguls" left...they're all bottom-line money men who wouldn't know a good movie if they saw one..."Let's check the demographics, guys, and fill those multiple screen outlets with brain-dead teens (not really their fault as products of our so called progressive p.c. education system)and make a TON of money!" My age is showing...back to the movie. If you haven't seen it, be prepared for a LONG sojourn. This isn't brain candy...it's an allegorical treatise on the impetuousness of youth vs. the inflexible values of pioneer stock. In the end, BOTH are told to cut themselves some slack, by the "gun-totin" Joanne Dru. In summary, a Great Western, and to get back to the Duke, an amazing performance by a 39 year old made up to look like a 60 year old...and he pulled it off! The respect/fear combo of his hired trailhands is almost Shakespearian, and a tribute to the screenwriter/s and director Howard Hawks. If you've never seen it...do yourself a big favour and rent this little classic!

    Best Wishes
    Keith
    London- England

    Edited 3 times, last by ethanedwards ().

  • Just a little trivia for you, Keith. Joanne Dru is the sister of Peter Marshall, the original host of Hollywood Squares. In fact, the family name is Lacock. Peters son Pete Lacock played pro baseball for the KC Royals back in the early 80's.

  • Hi


    Besides being my second favourite John Wayne picture imo it has to be considered as among the pivotal films in John Waynes career up with Stagecoach, The Quiet Man and the Searchers.


    After seeing Wayne perform as Thomas Dunsen it brought forth the comment from John Ford "I didn't know the sonofabitch could act",


    After ignoring him for a couple of years in favour of Henry Fonda Ford brought him back for Fort Apache She Wore A Yellow Ribbon Three Godfathers and Rio Grande all of these leading on quite nicely to the Quiet Man.


    Regards


    Arthur

    Walk Tall - Talk Low

  • Sheer Brilliance a real gem of a movie and in my opinion the best of the Hawk collaborations.


    On a trivia note as well as the black & white version on DVD I also have a colorised version on video. Normally, I would say avoid the colorised version like the plague but for once it is quite pleasing on the eye and quality is okay/good for watching on TV. I havent tried it via projection system so I must give it as test there.



    Mike

  • Hi


    I agree, I have the original film, The directors cut on VHS and took the colourised version off of the television.


    Like you I normally hate colourised versions but Red river and The Longest Day I think looked great in colour.


    Many think that Red River is based on Mutiny on the Bounty and if you look at it there is a comparison.


    Regards


    Arthur

    Walk Tall - Talk Low

  • Hi,
    Here's an interesting quote from Duke,
    and his comments, regarding the movie:-

    Best Wishes
    Keith
    London- England

  • Hi,
    I have been researching all the threads, back to the start of the JWMB,
    looking for previous discussion, relating to the movies.
    I have found the following, comments, and have copied them here,
    so that they are now under one forum:-


    Critic Time: Red River, lets be critics




    Quote

    A Girl Named Jen
    post Jan 20 2004, 01:53 PM



    Every favorite scene would probably have to be when Duke strolls into Abilene with his band of mercenaries lusting after revenge toward Matt. Love the way he strides toward the camera lookin' so big and so mean - the way the sea of cattle parts for him and the way the action is underscored by the music. Wow! I could watch that again and again and again and...



    Quote

    SXViper
    post Jan 27 2004, 05:29 AM


    Not to get into a discussion about Rio Bravo but, I would much rather look at and listen too a younger Angie then the older one. She was actually really nice looking in Rio Bravo.


    Quote

    Robbie
    post Jan 27 2004, 10:36 AM


    Red River like the searchers is one of the greatest movies of all times. It focuses on a character called Tom Dunson whom gradually changes because of events as his life progresses. At the beginning Tom is a tough but reasonably clean cut hero and there is a truly superb scene in which Tom says goodbye to his girl with music increasing the atmosphere and heightening the dialogue. His reaction to his girl getting killed shows great depth in Dukes acting as he looks at the wagons burning and knows he is helpless to do anything, and a magnificent Indian attack on Dukes wagon follows which results in the realisation that his girl is dead. There are far too many great scenes in Red River to name them all hear it really is an unique experience watching this movie. Hawks uses symbols to heighten the reality when Dunson starts to become the villain at the funeral scene a dark cloud descends. At the beginning Duke wears a white hat to symbolise that he is the good guy but as the movie progresses that colour changes to black. The fight at the end parallels the 1st meeting between Dunson and Matt at this meeting Tom hit Matt and the hits sound like slaps symbolising he is a boy at the end when Dunson hits Matt the hits sound like punches symbolising that Matt has turned into a man. Reoccurring themes appear throughout Red River such as Contracts. the snake bracelet, leaving the girl behind and taking guns away from Matt that add to the movie and show how coherent it is. Dukes acting is superb completely faultless and it is arguably better than Ethan Edwards but I'm personally torn on deciding which one is the best. Whats great about Hawks is that there are no silly characters within his movie every character in this movie is both realistic and essential to the storyline what more they add depth to the quality and detail of the movie. From watching this movie you really do get a true sense of what is must have been like back then, the hardship people had to endure and it really is a tribute to Hawks for being able to successfully translate this to the screen. The dialogue is this movie is authentic, snappy and at times cool with Dunson coming out with some great lines. Despite so many themes in this movie it is about the relationship between father and son and how each need to understand the other and is sublime. In conclusion if ever a movie deserved the title classic Red River does.

    Best Wishes
    Keith
    London- England

  • "RED RIVER" is one of those movies that I forget just how good it is if I haven’t seen it in a while. Great film; not just one of the best Westerns, but one of the all time best movies. Yeah, the ending is a little corny, but it works (tough, stubborn guys getting put in their place by a tough woman. It happens!) Also, I thought the Cherry Valance character could have had a bigger role like originally intended. But then again it works just as well this way; we know he’s a killer, we know he has a reputation, and I think when he challenges Dunson at the end, he has his own plan going on; but because it’s the cowboy way, he’s not saying what it is- I like it when the filmmaker doesn‘t tell us the whole story ( Like another good filmmaker, Clint Eastwood said, sometimes the best part of the stories are told off screen and in the audience’s minds). Great movie; hope there’s a special edition DVD one of these days.

  • Quote

    Originally posted by ZS_Maverick@Jun 29 2006, 03:05 AM
    "RED RIVER" is one of those movies that I forget just how good it is if I haven’t seen it in a while.


    I second this. For some reason "Rio Bravo" from Hawks/Wayne collaborations usually comes into mind first, and still "Red River" may even be better. Hard to say, both are near perfect. Duke is terrific as Dunson


    I'm not sure if I'd rather see an uncompromised, very sad ending where either Dunson or Matt or both would of course die. The problem with the happy ending is that it comes too suddenly, such a quick change of mind doesn't fit especially Dunson's character

    I don't believe in surrenders.

  • Quote

    Originally posted by William T Brooks@Sep 23 2006, 08:14 AM
    Harold; Keith is right go over to the "Red River" Movie Site for just about everything you want to know about the Film "Red River." :D


    That would be OK, but nobody ever looks there!!!!!!

  • Quote

    Originally posted by Harold+Sep 23 2006, 05:43 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Harold @ Sep 23 2006, 05:43 PM)</div>


    That would be OK, but nobody ever looks there!!!!!!

    [snapback]34800[/snapback]


    [/b]


    Thats not truth! And it is much more convinient to find all materials organized in one place.
    :rolleyes:

  • Well said Vera,

    And from the number of posts today alone.
    members are finding that, having the movies in one place is beneficial.
    Earlier this year it became apparent,
    that we couldn't continue, with more and more
    fragmentation, with one topic sometimes
    spurring a dozen different threads!!!!

    For the sake of continuity, a decision had to be made,
    to clean up the board, and the Movie Reviews,
    and Off topic discussions, areas for improvement.

    It is hoped that all members find things clearer,
    as we strive to improve things, as we go along.

    Best Wishes

    Best Wishes
    Keith
    London- England

  • Red River was pretty good I think. My wife liked it too. I think it's by far the best Haward Hawks/John Wayne western as its the only one with it's own plot. All the others (Rio Bravo, Rio Lobo, El Dorado) just recycle the same plot and all have practically the exact same final half hour. So this one must be the best western of the bunch, though I like Hatari! better than any of the other Hawks movies.

    [SIZE=3]That'll Be The Day[/SIZE]