Last Train From Gun Hill

Last Train from Gun Hill is a classic 1959 American Western film directed by the esteemed John Sturges. It features Hollywood icons Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn in lead roles, supported by Carolyn Jones. This highly underrated film stands out for its terse script, gritty performances, and expertly crafted tension, bringing alive the harsh and chaotic world of the wild west era.

Kirk Douglas, with his signature style of acting, exemplifies perfect machismo and raw energy in the character of Matt Morgan, a hardened yet righteous marshal. His quest for justice forms the backbone of the film's story. Anthony Quinn, another stalwart of the era, portrays Craig Belden, a powerful land baron and old friend of Matt. Quinn's powerhouse performance matches Douglas stroke for stroke and together they create a dynamic on-screen chemistry that is hard to ignore.

Carolyn Jones delivers an excellent performance as Linda, a woman entrenched in the town’s activities, adding another dimension to the plot. The actor's nuanced interpretation of her character complements the performances of Douglas and Quinn and contrasts the compelling masculine energy that the two leads bring to the movie.

The story unfurls in the sweeping, dusty landscapes of Gun Hill, a town under the firm grip of Craig Belden. Matt Morgan arrives in the town with a purpose: justice for his Native American wife who was cruelly murdered. The twist in the tale comes when he finds out that the culprit is none other than Craig's son Rick Belden (played by Earl Holliman). Despite their friendship, Matt is not one to let personal relationships come in the way of his duty and the murderer's relationship to Craig only serves to fuel his determination.

Contrary to a conventional western, Last Train from Gun Hill is not all gunfights and horse rides. It is intense and explores the depth of human emotions, ethics, and loyalty. The dichotomy of justice and friendship faced by the two principal characters adds a layer of complexity which sets this film apart from other traditional Westerns.

The film’s title reflects the mounting tension and the deadline by which the last train will depart from Gun Hill. The director, Sturges, has meticulously crafted this sense of urgency throughout the film, driving the narrative to an electrifying climax.

On a technical level, Last Train from Gun Hill is a reflection of superior filmmaking of the era. The film's cinematography by Charles Lang captures the essence of the wild west, featuring vast, rugged landscapes and tense, tight interiors. Franz Waxman's musical score heightens the movie's tension while complimenting its narrative flow.

In addition to the laudable acting and technical finesse, the film’s dialogue cannot be overlooked. The screenplay by James Poe is filled with quotable lines throughout the film, adding significant punch and conveying powerful sentiments with brevity and sharpness.

Another intriguing aspect of the movie is its representation of race. Unlike other westerns of the time, Last Train from Gun Hill does not shy away from addressing racial issues. The character of Matt’s wife, a Native American woman, challenges the typical depictions of the era, although they were not the focus of the story, it’s still noteworthy.

Last Train from Gun Hill delivers an emotionally charged narrative with a profound exploration of human emotions, friendships, and duty. Its unique selling point lies in the riveting performances by Douglas, Quinn, and Jones, coupled with John Sturges' expert direction that successfully infuses suspense in every frame. It's a film that goes beyond the archetypal cowboy duels of the western genre, offering a riveting and intimate look at the complex intertwining of personal relationships and the quest for justice. Despite being produced over half a century ago, Last Train from Gun Hill holds great resonance and appeal for contemporary audiences as a classic piece of cinema.