Breakheart Pass
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Movie Reviews of Breakheart Pass
Movie Review: PROBABLY ONE OF CHARLIE'S BEST MOVIES
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this movie in early 1976 when released, and have viewed it many other times. Also being a fan of Alistair MacLean's writings, have the book in my library. As most movie fans could guess, significant differences exit between the story in book form and the story brought to the screen. One item especially, in the book two train cars hold nothing but the cavalry horses later needed, but on the screen horses have no role to play in the action aboard the train. And that is interesting because Mr. MacLean wrote the screenplay. However, both the book and the movie, each in it's own venue are still very interesting and entertaining. Was Mr. MacLean rewriting his own novel or did they not want to contend with horses while filming? Who can say, but it works out fine either way.
A couple standout items for me in this movie: the muscial score from Jerry Goldsmith helps to heighten the action and acting performances. Another item is the photography, which captures the deep ravines and tall trail tressels, all backdropped by the green trees and scenic views. A very well managed production, a delight for the eyes of the viewer.
A mystery set in the west using ole #9 tall stack locomotive is a movie almost anyone can enjoy. Especially since so many of these actors have now died. After 30 some years, this picture is still an enjoyable parcel of entertainment for movie viewers.
Watch it and enjoy.
Semper Fi.
Movie Review: One of Bronson's best films and one of the best murder mysteries I have ever seen
Summary: 5 Stars
Starring Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland, and Ben Johnson, Breakheart Pass is a combination of mystery and action and is set in the old West. It was adapted from an Alistair MacLean novel. Many of his titles have been adapted for film - The Guns of Navarone, Force 10 from Navarone, and Where Eagles Dare are among the most famous.
A crowded troop train is on its way to Fort Humboldt to relieve the fort. At a brief stopover, two of three officers on the train mysteriously disappear and the train acquires two new passengers, John Deakin (Bronson) an accused murderer and arsonist and in the custody of marshal Pearce (Johnson). Along the way, more people disappear or die mysteriously. Who is the killer and why are people being murdered?
I think this is one of Bronson's best films and one of the best murder mysteries I have ever seen. (Do not read the back of DVD because you will find the film more enjoyable and the mystery more difficult to solve.)
The photography in this film is beautiful and the film score gives the feeling of a moving train. The film may also interest sports buffs as Archie Moore (former light heavyweight champion), Doug Atkins (former Chicago Bear), and Joe Kapp (former Minnesota Viking) all have supporting roles - and all three performed well in this film.
If you like mysteries or westerns, you will enjoy this film.
Movie Review: Catch the Governor's Train to Fort Humboldt!
Summary: 5 Stars
Alistair MacLean's western adventure novel brought to the screen with an admirable cast. Charles Bronson stars in the lead role as John Deacon, a doctor wanted for murder. Ben Johnson plays Texas Ranger Nathan Pearce. Jill Ireland, Bronson's real time wife, stars as the female lead Marsha Scoville. Richard Crenna plays the secret carrying Governor Fairchild. Charles Durning portrays the Governor's aid O'Brian. Ed Lauter plays Sergeant Bellows. Rounding out this cast is the boxer Archie Moore as the company cook. They all come together for an intrigue filled 200 mile train ride to Fort Humboldt, to deliver much needed medical supplies. As with all of MacLean's work nothing is as it seems and this is especially true aboard this suspense train. All the ingredients are there for top notched action and this film delivers the goods. Bronson's puts in one of his better performances and the rest of the cast sell the story very well. This movie definitely bridges the two genres of Western and Conspiracy Thriller.
MacLean wrote the screenplay and the movie stays relatively well with his book. This is one of those times where it is better to watch the movie before reading the book. Filmed in Northern Idaho on the winding trestle filled short line Camas Prairie Railroad, it is well worth adding to the action movie collection.
Movie Review: We'll be at Breakheart Pass in about 20 hours
Summary: 5 Stars
Charles Bronson plays a convicted murdered who is being transported on a military train that is carrying medical supplies to an Army fort that is in the midst of a diphtheria epidemic. Other passengers on the train include the governor, his fiance, a US marshal, a priest, a doctor, and an army officer. Things are not what they seem as a complex plot is slowly revealed. This is the kind of Western that anyone who likes Westerns or action films can watch over and over again. Is this a `great' film? No. Is this film making some profound statement about the human condition? No. Is a train ride to Breakheart Pass exciting? Hell Yes! There is so much to like about this film. The plot contains lots of interesting twists and turns that'll keep you guessing (assuming you haven't watched it a zillion times already). Lots of great actors (Charles Bronson, Ben Johnson, Jill Ireland). One of the best fight scenes ever filmed with Charles Bronson duking it out with former World Champion prize fighter Archie Moore on the top of a snow covered train as it rambles through the mountains. Several good gunfights, and a great love story to boot! The score is also outstanding, every time I watch this film I can't get the music out of my head. The cinematography is great too. Highly recommended.Movie Review: Offbeat Alistair MacLean Action Western
Summary: 5 Stars
Trust no one and believe only half of what you see. At least that's what the trailer said. This is an odd little action film that takes place aboard a train full of mysterious characters that traverses snow covered landscapes (beautifully photographed by Lucien Ballard) and leaves bodies along the way. Charles Bronson plays the stoic John Deakin a secret service agent who tries to uncover the plot hidden aboard the train to Breakheart Pass. Once again director Tom Gries delivers a good action Western. The good cast includes Ben Johnson, Richard Crenna, Jill Ireland, Charles Durning and Ed Lauter. However I thought the real star of this film was Jerry Goldsmith's score. The powerful theme he composed for this movie advances the plot like a runaway steam engine.