Review of Duel in the Sun (1946) by Gabe S — 08 Jan 2010
Jennifer Jones does a complete 180 degrees of her Saint Bernadette in this movie, playing Pearl Chavez, of Native American and white heritage, who wants to be good amidst the temptations of the men around her.
Jones is assertive, sexy, and conflicted and really shows her range as an actress to the tests and trials her character faces to the likes of well-meaning Joseph Cotten, playing Jessie, a progressive law school graduate who wants railroads through the state, Gregory Peck, playing Lewt, who is in a rare bad guy role that he literally goes all out in, Lillian Gish as Larabel, the good-natured mother to Lewt and Jessie, and who adopts Pearl after her father dies, and Lionel Barrymore as Senator McCandles, father to Lewt and Jessie and husband to Larabel.
It's a steamy western romance, and David O'Selznick's attempt at a good western. Sadly, it is only an attempt because this plays a little like Gone With The Wind.
This review of Duel in the Sun (1946) was written by Gabe S on 08 Jan 2010.
Duel in the Sun has generally received positive reviews.
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