THE TALL MEN [1955]20th Century-Pox
On their way to Texas, Ben rescues Nella Turner (Jane Russell), one of a small party of settlers who have been attacked by Indians. They have to take refuge during a blizzard in a deserted shack, and they fall in love, but soon quarrel when Ben reveals that his only ambition is to settle down on a small ranch in Texas. Nella is after higher things. In Fort Worth, while they prepare for the journey north, Nella transfers her affections to the ruthlessly ambitious Stark, who insists that she accompany them to Montana. Antagonism between Stark and the Allison brothers increases during the cattle drive, and when they learn that the last stage of the journey is through hostile Indian country, Stark is prepared to cut his losses and to abandon the expedition. Ben, however, insists that they go on. Clint is killed; but Ben succeeds
in out-maneuvering the Indians by stampeding the herd at full speed
through the narrow canyon where they have planned an ambush. Arriving
in Montana, Stark endeavors to double cross Ben but is outwitted; and
on returning to his camp, Ben finds Nella there waiting for him.
My Review: First I have to comment on the cinematography. The natural setting of Montana and the stampeding herd in the narrow canyon is most beautiful to watch. As for the roles, the earthiness of Russell's character and the masculine virility of Gable's makes for plenty of sizzle in their love scenes together. I think this Gable/Russell team works quite similar to Gable/Harlow team. Both Russel and Harlow possess this down to earth, I don't give a damn attitude. Some great sensual effects to hear Russell sings "I don't want a short man, I want a tall man". At age 54, Gable is as magnificiant as ever.
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Synopsis:
Ben (Clark Cable) and Clint Allison (Cameron Mitchell), Texans who
fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War, ride north to the gold
fields of Montana determined to recoup their lost fortunes. They hold
up Nathan Stark (Robert Ry4n), a businessman, for the $20,000 he is
carrying. Stark, however, puts a proposition to them: he intends to
drive a vast herd of cattle north from Texas to Montana, and offers
Ben the Job of trail boss and a share in his profits. They accept.
Brog.,
Variety: The earthiness of Miss Russell's character and the masculine
virility of Gable's makes for plenty of sizzle in their love scenes
together, Gable can count this among one of his best in a long time,
story providing him with a role that requires thespic skill as well
as his particular personality to put him over. Miss Russell is a good
teammate, scoring strongly. So does Ryan with his interpretation of
an ambitious man, who, in a sense, carries the part of heavy in the
story. Mitchell is fine as Gable's erratic young brother. It's a choice
character of which he makes the most. Important to the cast and the
entertainment punch is the work done by Juan Garcia, Gable's loyal Mexican
friend. Other parts are small, but very well done. jayhawker or dust
devil, nothing bothers Clark-except, of course, the fact that he has
to act. But like most of his parts, this one requires nothing much but
his anxious little smirk. On the other hand, he seems comfortably conscious
(as moviegoers will be awkwardly aware) that the winds which howl about
his hairdo do not shake the trees in the processed background; and he
strives in Montana looking as fresh as a 54-year-old daisy can.
