THE WAY WEST (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Way West uses a multiple story platform, many individual stories that intertwine into one story, to create interest and intrigue; heighten emotional tension balanced with the sentimental; and to establish injustice playing its teeter-totter with justice. This western film classically dramatizes the challenges of human life within the microcosm of a wagon train on its trek from Missouri to Oregon. Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, and Richard Widmark along with an outstanding team of supporting actors/actresses play out this epic story to make it a piece of entertainment for the permanent home entertainment library. This is not the normal B-grade Western and it deeply earns its watch. Look for some of the great early entertainers: Jack Elam, Harry Carey Jr, John MItchum, Sally Fields, and Sam Elliot (who plays a Missouri townsman extra).

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A leader assembles a team to supervise a wagon train bound to Oregon and becomes increasingly disliked as he keeps them on target while becoming challenged himself to finish what was started. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andrew V. McLaglen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Harold Hecht for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Senator William Tadlock (Kirk Douglas), Dick Summers (Kirk Douglas), Dick Summers (Robert Mitchum), Lile Evans (Richard Widmark), Rebecca Evans (Lola Albright), Preacher Weatherby (Jack Elam), Sam Fairman (Stubby Kaye), Brownie Evans (Michael McGreevey), Mr. McBee (Harry Carey Jr.), and Mrs. McBee (Connie Sawyer), and Johnnie Mack (Michael Witney). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s great to see a western of this quality.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers