Posts from Robbie in thread „3 Godfathers (1948)“

I persuaded a friend of mine to watch this movie. I didn't tell him it was a western or that it had John Wayne in it. He emailed me his views on the movie which I think were rather interesting even if I don't agree with all of them, below is what he wrote.

I was expecting a black and white gangster film. BUT OOOHHH NOOOOOO it was another bloody western. But I watched it from start to finish. I'm not sure what I think I about it. Yea that film.... three guys, a baby and the Arizona desert.... hmmm perfect plot.

As I said I'm not sure what I think about it. Its a western with JW, so in my mind it similar to all his others. NO I DID'NT SAY IT WAS THE SAME.

It was good however, more story telling than modern films. But slower than
the films I'm used to. I noticed something strange. When the film ended
and I switched back to normal TV, there was a modern American trash. I
don't know if it was a film or what. But I had a wonderful repulsion
for it, after the gritty sandy Arizona.

Another thing I actually loved about the film. REAL SAND AND A REAL
TRAIN!!! No glitzing over with silly CGI. Those actors were riding
the horses and where getting sand in their teeth.

I didn't like the music in places.... the acting was great. But there are
some strange and silly bits... the younger fella with the glowing holy
light over him in the trailer... ?????? Some parts were a bit drawn
out and ever so slightly overacted. But that's probably over critical.

I think I could watch it again

I am pleased that Todd picked this virtually forgotten John Wayne gem to review as it represents a terrific collaboration between John Ford and the Duke.

The movie focuses on three outlaws whom rob a bank in the town of Welcome and make their getaway across the desert being closely pursued by the towns sheriff and a posse of deputies. In the middle of the desert the three outlaws come across a heavily pregnant woman who dies giving birth to her son. The remainder of the movie focuses on the three outlaws attempting to get the baby to safety and in their efforts expose their redeeming qualities ultimately allowing them to gain redemption.

The movie is rich in visual imagery and symbolism and this combined with a funny yet sentimental storyline gives the viewer something to really get their teeth into giving and overly fulfilling movie.

The acting is good particularly from Ward Bond as the persistent pursuer and Harry Carey Jnr as the kid outlaw. However it is John Wayne who dominates the movie playing the troubled man who operates on the wrong side of the law, playing Bob Hightower Duke allows us to warm to his character who has questionable values yet when pushed to the brink demonstrates his true character. Duke is equally pleasing to watch whether it be in humorous scenes or in the more dramatic ones and in his movies he was beginning to consistently demonstrate what a great actor he had become.

Overall this western is somewhat off beat which adds to its overall appeal, it features a great storyline, strong acting and is virtually flawless and for this it rates a very admirable 9/10 for this viewer.

This is one of my favourite movies it is a superior western with great acting, plot, symbolism and direction.

John Waynes on top form and the movie is a treat to watch, it really is a shame to see it end, I am staggered to learn its not considered a classic, I presumed it was.

Overall an offbeat but exceptionally good western and one in which Duke shines.

My rating 9/10.