Yellow Sky
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Movie Reviews of Yellow Sky
Movie Review: On DVD At Last
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this movie a few months back on AMC and wondered aloud 'why' it had not yet been released on DVD. I saw the movie in a theatre when first released (yes, I'm that old) and down through the years whether, Saturday Night At The Movies, or AMC, each time I see it again, enjoy it as much as ever.
It is a movie made during the years when Hollywood still knew how to make a decent western. I've been watching westerns from the 30's and 40's on the Western Channel lately, and have come to believe most of the better ones were made during those years.
Yellow Sky has a great feel to it, I read alot on the west, too, and everything in this movie has a touch of realism to it. One of the best parts of the movie is the trip across the alkalai flats prior to reaching Yellow Sky. They barely make it. But make it they do, and instead of being thankful for that alone with stolen bank money in their pockets, their greed returns to try to take the old man and "Mike's" gold.
But Yellow Sky is much more than a movie, it is just plain, flat out, good entertainment. Part of that comes from the solid cast contributing to the movie, and though it would have been great to have it shot in color, the starkness of black and white adds to the overall affect. As another reviewer says it is as good as Luke Short's STATION WEST, or numerous others such as MY DARLING CLEMENTINE, or TALL IN THE SADDLE.
If you have any interest in the older black and white westerns you cannot miss this one. And as is true prior to the later 1950's, the white hats win out in this one. No suffering, anti-hero in this movie; not much of a moral message here either, other than it is better to be good, than bad. Or pay for a woman's hat when you appropriate one for your best gal!
Semper Fi.
Movie Review: Two thumbs up for Yellow Sky
Summary: 5 Stars
Yellow Sky is a great western and one of my top five (5) favorites. The
acting is excellent with Gregory Peck in the lead role, Richard Widmark, John
Russell, and Henry Morgan supporting, and Ann Baxter as the young female star. The
story is a good one too with plenty of action and suspense. I also delight in
the scene where Ann Baxter punches Gregory Peck in the face. I find only two
(2) faults with this film. One is when the film opens the title states "The
West 1867." This may be but the guns are wrong for the date. The actors are
carrying 1873 Colt Peacemakers (prototypes were not even out until late 1871 and
early 1872, and either Winchester Model 1892's (available in 1892) or 1894's
(available in 1894). All westerns then and now should have had historians
assigned to the films to make sure dates and firearms are correct. Also there is a
scene in the film where Henry Morgan makes reference to Ann Baxter's rifle as
that Buffalo Gun. This is also incorrect. Buffalo Guns were either large single
shot Sharps rifles or the large frame big caliber Marlin Model 1881 or
Winchester Model 1886. There may have been other models used as "Buffalo Guns" as
well but Ann Baxter in this film was carrying either a Winchester Model 1892
chambered for one of the pistol cartridges (38-40 or 44-40) or a model 1894 in one
of the smaller rifle cartridges such as 38-55, 32-40, 30-30, or 32 Special.
Other then these concerns as mentioned, this is a great western and for anyone
who loves really fine westerns films this is one to purchase and enjoy.
Movie Review: Tough, Savage Little Western Film
Summary: 5 Stars
Yellow Sky is a tough, savage little film directed by William A. Wellman, and starring Gregory Peck, Anne Baxter and Richard Widmark.
This is a noir western in the best tradition. Harsh and violent, tough and uncompromising, Yellow Sky tells the story about a gang of bank robbers who come upon a desert ghost town called Yellow Sky inhabited by an old man and his quirky grand daughter. Everyone involved tries to get their share of $50,000 worth of gold buried in an abandoned mine. (The gold itself is a McGuffin. What really matters here is the raw characterization.)
This film is very well directed with some fantastic imagery. It also ignored the candy apple mythology of the west which currently pervades our culture and instead presents the violence and brutality from that era in uncompromising terms. Being a Wellman film the violence is sometimes off screen, but it is no less understated or carries less impact. Everyone is good here, the characters come across as real people instead of cardboard cutouts, and the scenery, direction and writing are top notch.
This film isn't as well known as other westerns, mainly, I think, because it was shot in noir style. It wouldn't be until years later when another film came out using the same style called High Noon when noir became more acceptable for westerns. But this film was one of the first, and therefore groundbreaking. It's also just downright good.
I really urge you to check this one out if you have the opportunity. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Movie Review: DON'T MISS THIS TRUE CLASSIC
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this gem of a western many years ago, but have never forgotten the stunning black and white cinematography and the great use of the Death Valley and Lone Pine locations. And then there's Gregory Peck at the peak of his youthful masculinity and charisma playing a bad guy -- something unexpected.
The supporting cast is especially memorable. A smirking Richard Widmark is a standout among the outlaws who invade the ghost town occupied by a young, sexy and feisty Anne Baxter and her old prospector grandfather. And the horde of gold they've spent years collecting.
The original story from A. R. Burnett is mean, tight and inspired.
It's fun to see this movie knowing nothing more about the plot -- which may be somewhat predictable but still full of delicious menace, growing tension and sudden twists and surprises. It all works.
From set-up to pay-off, William Wellman's masterful direction keeps every frame of this forgotten film on track. No filler and no padding. Lean and clean. It's close to perfect on every level and very satisfying.
This digital edition belongs in the home library of movies you'll enjoy more than once whether you like westerns or not.
One of Peck's best roles. And Baxter is incredible. Highest recommendation.
Movie Review: Excellent Western epic
Summary: 5 Stars
Gregory Peck gives his usual powerful performance playing Stretch, the leader of a band of outlaws roaming the post Civil War west. After robbing a bank the gang is chased across a desolate salt flat. They decide to cross the expanse and low on water they crawl into what appears to be a deserted ghost town.
The town was known as Yellow Sky and soon they come across a rifle toting Anne Baxter playing Mike who lives nearby with her grizzled, old ex-prospector grandfather played marvelously by James Barton. They soon learn that Baxter and her grandfather are in possession of a fortune in gold. The authoritative Peck brokers a deal whereby the gang will take half of the booty leaving the other portion for the old man and his granddaughter. Gold hungry gang member Dude played by Richard Widmark has other ideas and recruits the rest of the crew to double cross both Peck and the old man and Baxter.
The previously disreputable Peck falls hard for Baxter and swears to abide by the deal he arranged. This ultimately leads to a lethal gun battle as western justice is meted out, with good triumphing over evil.
William Wellman directs a talented cast in this classic black and white oater filmed for the most part in the remote, unforgiving yet beautiful confines of Death Valley.