Westward the Women

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source: Westward the Women

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.

I first saw this movie when I was in my early 40's. I am now in my early 60's. There must have been a big showing when it came time for tryouts. Seems like there is a role for every type of personality. This movie also shows women at their worst (being catty, spiteful, and argumentative). But most sincerely, this movie shows women at their finest and best. They are helpful, caring, compassionate, brave, smart and loving. Patience (Hope Emerson) seems to be the glue that holds the women together. Not a self-proclaimed leader, but many of the women turn to her for advice and consolation. Robert Taylor plays the masculine role which he does quite well. John McIntye supports Taylor and his role is somewhat like Patience. The men go to him for advice. I really like this movie because it shows that women have guts, stand up to hardship and can make a life worth living.

An unvarnished look at the hard road that a group of women settlers have to face on a wagon train journey to California. Nothing is glamorized and the cost of the trip is honestly depicted as heavy with human lives. As with real life even in tough times there are humorous incidents that happen and they enrich the story and the film. Robert Taylor not usually the most facile of actors is well suited to this role, his weathered appearance and hard manner make the rough but fair wagon master relatable. Hope Emerson stands out as a no nonsense, plain spoken traveler but all the performances are very good. Written by Frank Capra who was too busy to direct fortunately, his style wasn't suitable for the story, he handed this over to Wild Bill Wellman who turned out to be a perfect fit. An involving, unusual picture.

This film has a lot of aspects that are quite refreshing and remarkable considering when it was made. The main supporting role is a Japanese cowboy! His character is not a typical stereotype either. Though he is comic relief, he is also given a role as a wise friend to Taylor's character. The unglamourous but brave and capable women in this film are also a nice surprise. They shoot, ride, lift and pull and do all the jobs usually done by men on this trip without complaint. One of the most touching scenes is right after an Indian raid as the women call out the names of the dead and the camera pans down to their lifeless bodies. It's a simple and unsentimental memorial to the sacrifices made.

I loved this movie since the first time I saw it on T.V. I wish more westerns were made like this one. I feel that Robert Taylor gave one of his best performances in this movie. He seemed to be an excellent horseman. He also looked great!!!!! in his western pants too.

I gave this movie ten stars because: 1. It tells an excellent story of brave women from all walks of life (widows, pregnant unmarried woman, women brave enough to go after what they believed was going to be a better life, and women of 'ill-repute' also looking for a chance to have a better life.) The women are the focus of the movie. Robert Taylor is good as the lead - and his 'side-kick' - a small size Japanese man are both very good. However - the focus is always on the women. The women could actually 'act'. The entire cast was excellent - and wonderful casting/ 2. There is amazing character development and variety of personalities among the cast. The characteristics of the women are not the dominating story of the movie, but all their characteristics together make a good part of the story and show the variety of personalities found in brave and adventurous women. EVERY woman was a strong woman. Each had different abilities and strong points, but they were all very capable. 3. The women seemed very capable in a primitive setting actually driving wagons themselves - no shrinking violets there. 4. It shows the strength of determined women. Circumstances continually knock them down - but they refuse to give up. 5. It actually tells a good story. I don't think such a movie could be made today because the story of the women would be lost in smut, violence, and foul language. 6. There is romance in the movie, but the bravery and adventuresome spirits of the women is not overwhelmed or lost altogether by some romance. 7. It is always nice to watch a movie that is not trying to sway me politically, preach about one cause or another, use offensive language, or have unnecessary explicit sexual content. This is an enjoyable movie anytime.

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.

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.