Rent 3:10 to Yuma (1957)

Classic Western - 3:10 to Yuma review by GI

Similarly themed to High Noon (1952) this tense, revisionist western is a classic of the genre. Shot in stark black and white at a time when colour was prevalent especially in westerns it creates a parched, desperate landscape that matches the growing tension of the story. After a robbery outlaw Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) lingers over a prostitute in the nearby town and gets caught. Expecting his large gang will come to free him a reward is offered for a volunteer to get him on the 3.10 train to Yuma prison. Broke and struggling rancher Dan (Van Heflin) needs the money and despite his wife begging him to stay out of the matter Dan takes on the job. The long wait for the train to arrive while Ben's gang congregate around the town ready to free him is only the beginning Dan also has the long walk to the station to overcome. The use of time to increase the sense of danger and the gradual desertion of allies makes for a top class drama here. This is a basic tale of good vs evil and ultimately a slice of redemption too. It's not an action western by any means but certainly one that began a trend in a more darker vision of the genre in the vein of a film noir. The dynamic between Ford and Heflin is superb and makes the film so good as they spar with each other and debate their respective morals. A stone cold classic and definitely a film every cinephile should make sure they see.

Psychological western. - 3:10 to Yuma review by Steve

This intelligent western is one of the best thrillers of the 1950s. It's mostly a two-hander, with the insidious killer (Glenn Ford) held at gunpoint in a rural town by a stubborn farmer (Van Heflin). While the captive waits for his ruthless gang to spring him before the train arrives to take him to the prison in Yuma, he whittles away at his emergency warder's insecurities...

One of the main attractions is the artistic film noir lighting, but Delmer Daves takes more from noir than its look. This is a psychological film about doubt and anxiety. It also has a remarkable atmosphere for a western, a poetic sense of loneliness most poignantly expressed when the wanted man dallies to seduce a forlorn bar worker, which allows him to be caught.

This melancholy is enhanced by the lovely acoustic guitar score. Of the support cast, Felicia Farr is heartbreaking as the unloved girl willingly seduced by the outlaw's welcome lies. Their sexual liaison is quite candid for '57. The visual imagery is haunting, particularly a very desolate, austere funeral. The script from Elmore Leonard's story is wise, and elegant.  

The brilliant performances of Ford and Heflin dominate, framed against the parched wilderness of the land. The drought that is killing the farmer's herd. Daves directs with finesse. He seems to be gazing into the desolate heart of every scene. This is an exciting thriller, but it's the undertow of sadness that resonates.