Glucedee
It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.
SeeQuant
Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction
Rio Hayward
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
MartianOctocretr5
A brilliant slice of pioneer-era Americana. In no other movie that comes to mind was there such a realistic portrayal of the Old West and its numerous perils than in this faithfully told story of pioneer women crossing the harsh western U.S. wilderness of 1850 from Missouri to California.The ladies are responding to an ad placed by a leader (on behalf of several other men) in a pioneer settlement out in California for wives. These tenderfoot ladies may be looking for husbands, but there's nothing "weak" about them at all. They not only bravely face the hardships, dangers, and tragedies of the journey, but they soon learn how to handle their own with toughness and grit.The story unfolds clearly due to a finely structured and developed script. The intertwining stories are well told and well acted. The mostly female cast are all strong, and Robert Taylor as "Buck," the guide and leader of the wagon train seems to enjoy the task of having dozens of female leads surrounding him. John McIntyre as the patriarchal Mr. Whitman (who hires Buck) is good, while Buck's friend, confidant, and comic-relief guy Ito is also a well-rounded character.The ending is one of the most heartwarming ever in a western; this is the kind of movie that can be watched over and over again.
wes-connors
This film invites some questions regarding its premise: a mid-1800s California town has no women; so, Robert Taylor (as Buck) is hired to bring over 100 women across the country, to mate with the waiting men. Certainly, there were women closer at hand; but, in those days, there were not enough to go around. It does appear like there are absolutely no women in this town; otherwise, it's a fine looking place.Mr. Taylor is the leading man; he manages to always appear well-manicured, even in his beard. But, the real stars of the film are "The Women"; they are a collection of relatively lesser known performers, who are beautiful through their blood, sweat, and tears. "Westward the Women" is most refreshing in its portrayal of pioneer women as something more than damsel appendages; this film theme is not revolutionary, but it is not very often a focus. The women outperform Taylor and his men at every turn. Even when dead, they "move".Hope Emerson (as Patience) is the most welcome addition to the wagon train. Denise Darcel (as Fifi Danon) is the one to watch fall for Taylor. Interestingly, Taylor forbids any of his men to hook up with any of the women; when they inevitably do couple up, he shoots the men -- but, the rule changes after he succumbs to the sexual urge. Japanese "boy" Henry Nakamura (as Ito) is content with a dog. The dog is a real highlight; but, only makes a rare appearance after Mr. Nakamura retrieves it, from Tony's grave.The peak of the movie occurs after several of the men take eight women, and leave. This means the remaining women must become even more resourceful. During a shooting lesson, a tragedy occurs, which symbolizes the women's great challenge, and illustrates their great strength. The women eventually take over the mission and the decision making; of course, Taylor is proud. Director William A. Wellman and photographer William Mellor perform very well; the wagon mishaps are suspenseful, and Mr. Wellman heightens interest throughout. The film looks great either colorized, or in black and white; real 1950s color would have been a glaring error.
bkoganbing
John McIntire approaches wagonmaster Robert Taylor with an interesting job and challenge. He wants to bring brides west to the settlement he's founded in the southwest United States. Taylor hires on a bunch of hands to escort the women and issues a no fraternization policy. When one of them tries to rape one of them, he shoots him out of hand. It's the unsettled frontier and as wagonmaster he's the law on that train as much as a captain on a ship at sea. Of course the hands mutiny and strand Taylor, McIntire, cook Henry Nakamura and the women.This was a perfect western film for the post Rosie the Riveter generation. No reason at all why women couldn't deal with the rigors of a wagon train. Of course it helped to have the formidable Hope Emerson along.Of course men and women will be men and women and Taylor breaks his own no fraternization policy with Denise Darcel. Of course this is away from the train when Darcel runs off.William Wellman delivers us a no frills unsentimental western with gritty performances by Robert Taylor and the rest of the cast. In a bow to his colleague John Ford, Wellman does have a courtship dance at the settlement. I liked the use of the fiddle music playing Believe Me With All Those Endearing Young Charms and Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes. Ford couldn't have staged it better.Henry Nakamura had made a big hit in MGM's Go For Broke about the Nisei division in Italy. He was a funny little guy, I'm not sure he was even five feet tall. I loved the scene when he and Taylor find a stash of buried liquor and proceed on a toot. This was his last film though, roles for oriental players were hard to come by. I wonder whatever happened to him.If you like traditional cowboy films, this one ain't for you, but given the constraints of 19th century society for the role of woman Westward the Women is quite a revelation.
lincher
I have seen this film many times over the years and have always enjoyed it. It is one of my favorite westerns. I think William Wellman was a fine director and in lesser hands than his, this movie would not have fared so well. His respect and admiration for women shines through. It's a valentine to the pioneer women of this country. Acting? The style is from a different time and on the melodramatic side. The male star is Robert Taylor, and by the time he made this movie, he had left the pretty-boy image behind and had become a good actor. Denice Darcel was a french actress popular in the 1950's in American films ( She never made a movie in her own country of France, little bit of trivia there). She gives a bravura performance. The wonderful character actress Hope Emerson is always worth watching. If you run across this on the late show, and take the time to watch it you won't be disappointed; and take note of how Wellman photographs the women against the open skies and harsh backgrounds of the western landscapes.
