Night Passage
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Movie Reviews of Night Passage
Movie Review: There is a lot to like in the film
Summary: 5 Stars
Night Passage is an action-packed western about former railroad troubleshooter Grant MacLaine (Jimmy Stewart), who lost his job after letting his outlaw brother, the Utica Kid (Audie Murphy), escape. After spending five years wandering the west and earning his living playing the accordion, he is given a second chance by his former boss. The train has been robbed several times by Whitey Harbin (Dan Duryea), the Utica Kid and their gang.
This film is like a wonderful meal that is full of both contrasts and surprises. There's the obvious contrast between MacLaine and the Utica Kid of good vs. bad and older vs. younger. In addition, Whitey is nervous and constantly on edge while the Kid is calm and collected. MacLaine's former loves are also a contrast. Verna, a blonde, chose an older and wealthier man over MacLaine preferring security to romance, and Charlotte, a brunette, has chosen the younger and wilder Utica Kid over MacLaine.
Among the surprises, the film features two wonderful songs, a beautiful romantic ballad "Follow the River" and a lively jig "You can't get far without a railroad." Stewart plays the accordion and sings the latter song. And the photography is gorgeous.
There is a lot to like in the film. So check it out, get some popcorn and sit back and enjoy.
Movie Review: NOT THE USUAL BACON AND BEANS WESTERN FARE
Summary: 5 Stars
When it comes to westerns we like to think of stars like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Tom Selleck (of late). But Jimmy Stewart is a name that should absolutely come to mind every time. Stewart sits his horse well, is believable in hat, boots and spurs, and seems more believable as the consummate good guy of the west.
NIGHT PASSAGE, the story of a shamed railroad troubleshooter who is out to redeem his name and his younger brother who has gone bad (Audie Murphy), showcases Stewart's considerable acting abilities very well.
And it's a musical western to boot! With toe-tappers like "You Can't Get Far Without a Railroad" and "Follow the River" both sung by none other than Jimmy Stewart, and a striking soundtrack that beautifully complements the mountains and skies that form the backdrop for this one and you've got nothing short of a very enjoyable western.
No, this isn't a western of the predictable genre but it's a breath of fresh air when all you've had is the bacon and beans set for your last ten western viewings. You want John Wayne then watch John Wayne. But don't miss this Jimmy Stewart classic.
Movie Review: Jimmy Stewart at his personal best.
Summary: 5 Stars
You cannot ignore James Stewart, John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, as being the three unbeatable icons of the American Western.
Night Passage is one of these vehicles. Short and to the point. Clear outlined characters and brilliant dialogues, make this a truly classic Western.
Its transfer is simply impeccable with sharp images and although the sound is a plain two-channel Mono, it is so clear that it almost seems to be in Stereo.
I cannot add much more to this presentation, except that such movies are the true gems of Hollywood at its best.
These were still the days when good acting, a bit of simple action (or not so simple, when filmed) and a good and solid storyline, were enough to produce an effective and successful product.
All this finally brought to full glory through the technology that DVDs have to offer nowadays, make this and other similar movie a sure buying experience.
Highly recommended.
Movie Review: SUPERB STEWART WESTERN
Summary: 5 Stars
Night Passage is a classic western from an era when James Stewart stars as an accordion toting cowboy out to regain his good name and his younger brother, a kid gone bad portrayed by Audie Murphy. Stewart is out to deliver the railroad's payroll, redeem his brother, save the kid (Brandon DeWilde of Shane fame), and, though not his major motive, get the girl. He scores on every count.Though predictable in its story, Night Passage is absolutely watchable and enjoyable. James Stewart is irresistible in a role not unlike others he had in Winchester '73, The Man from Laramie and Destry Rides Again. Audie Murphy is wonderful as the man in black who can't resist Stewart's renditions on the accordion of their father's favorite folk songs. Add the panoramic beauty of the west and you have a winner.
Douglas McAllister
Movie Review: The Original Anti-Hero?
Summary: 5 Stars
Everyone talks about Clint Eastwood making it okay to root for the bad guy in the Westerns. Audie Murphy was making movie goers cheer fo the "man in the black hat" YEARS before the Spaghetti Westerns.Murphy's portrayal of Lee, The Uttica Kid, in "Night Passage" is so enjoyable, that you'll smile -- even as he's stabbing his big brother Grant (Jimmy Stewart) in the back.
Dan Duryea gives another great performance as an egotistical, over-the-top bad dude (shouldn't there be a special Oscar category for this?). Mr. Stewart is wonderful as the straight-laced older brother who is looking to bring his brother back to the path of righteousness, and save his reputation at the same time.
I've already pre-ordered this item and believe me, my old video tape of "Night Passage" will be relieved to be retired~!