Wagonmaster

Wagonmaster, a 1950s Western under the expert direction of John Ford, offers an authentic encapsulation of pioneer life during the Westward Expansion era in America. This film features Ben Johnson, Joanne Dru, and Harry Carey Jr. in pivotal roles. While obviously a product of its time, the movie remains an essential fixture of classical Hollywood cinema and the Western genre.

Wagonmaster kicks off in Crystal City, where horse traders Travis Blue (Ben Johnson) and Sandy Owens (Harry Carey Jr.) encounter a group of Mormons led by their devoted Elder, Brother Wiggs (Ward Bond). The Mormons are on a busily ambitious mission to establish a new settlement in San Juan, Utah, despite possessing neither the horse-power nor adequate geographical knowledge to achieve their objective. Blue and Owens, with their specialized knowledge of the landscape and horse-trading skills, are hired by the Mormons to guide them to their promised land. The ensuing journey, marked by camaraderie, faith, hardship, and the looming presence of nature, forms the robust backbone of Wagonmaster.

In tandem with this pilgrimage, a parallel narrative unfolds following the Clegg family, an outlaw gang notorious for their ruthless ferocity, who, after a daring escape, take refuge within the Mormon caravan. Ben Johnson expertly juggles the ensuing tension as he deals with the threat the gang poses while ensuring the safety of his group. Joanne Dru, as Denver, a saloon entertainer with a redeemable soul, and past connections to the outlaws, brings in a wholesome feminine presence that makes for an intriguing subplot.

Wagonmaster’s screenplay, penned by Frank Nugent and Patrick Ford, is worth a mention for its ability to stitch together multiple narratives against a vast western canvas. It manages to weave complex elements of pioneering courage, spiritual conviction, brutal lawlessness, and improbable romance without becoming convoluted. The dialogues add depth and dimension to the characters, helping audiences to connect with their aspirations, apprehensions, and subtle emotional undertones.

Ford's direction too maintains a remarkable balance between charming humour, quiet pathos, scenic beauty and gripping drama, allowing the film to shine with an elegance unique to its genre. The masterful sequences of the wagon trek, the dance around the campfire, and the chaotic confrontations with the Cleggs, attest to Ford's skill in drawing out the dynamics of the group, the serenity of the vegetation, and the chaos of the conflict.

Ben Johnson as Travis Blue brings an impressive athletic finesse, earthy wit, and caring touch to his character. His sharp talent for horse riding and navigation makes his character believable and relatable. Joanne Dru's Denver, likewise, is admirably fleshed out, portraying a strong, self-reliant woman. Harry Carey Jr., as Owens, amicably complements Johnson, adding an essence of youthful humour to their friendly partnership. Every performance, from Ward Bond's devout and good-hearted Mormon leader to the menacing Clegg family members, adds to the vibrant human landscape of the story.

The cinematography in Wagonmaster, courtesy of Bert Glennon, provides stunning panoramic views of the awe-inspiring landscape. The wide-angle shots of the wagon train winding through empty deserts, verdant valleys, and daunting mountains, set principally in Utah's breathtaking Monument Valley, evoke an imposing sense of space, freedom, and foreboding — all the elements that have come to symbolise America’s West.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring a lively composition of western classics and folk tunes by Richard Hageman and by the Sons of the Pioneers, lends an authentic and cheerful dimension to the movie. It's like a rhythmic testament to the indomitable spirit of the pioneers and an incredible counterweight to the visual spectacle.

While the movie follows the standard norms of the Western genre, it avoids a simplistic good vs bad dichotomy. Instead, it deals wonderfully with themes of community, faith, independence, redemption, and the human struggle against nature. Quirky characters, contrasting milieus, and a sense of precarious journeying add exceptional layers of complexity and warmth to Wagonmaster.

In conclusion, Wagonmaster is a timeless cinematic treat for audiences who appreciate Westerns or simply great storytelling. The film's engaging narrative, excellent performances, spectacular visuals, and a delectably wilderness-bound soundtrack make it a remarkable piece of Hollywood's Golden Era. More than a simple Western, it's a compelling portrayal of America's pioneering spirit, wrapped in a grand ode to the unyielding charm of the untamed west.