Review of How the West Was Won (1962) by Charles H — 23 May 2007

This ambitious, episodic film works because of the superior guidance of three visionary directors and James R. Webb's Oscar-winning screenplay. Webb's decision to present the history of western settlements as seen through the eyes of one family establishes some narrative cohesion, as opposed to just being a free-wheeling history lesson.

It is also worth noting that this portrayal of American expansion is not overly romanticized. The unsettled frontier was a mysterious place, fraught with various types of danger, and that point is underscored several times throughout.

Native Americans and settlers looking to find a better way of life are viewed sympathetically, while shameless profiteers are cast in a much harsher light. To fully appreciate the film, one probably needs to see this on the big screen, as was the idea, since the filmmakers' did employ the panoramic, Cinerama technology.

I know I'd love to see this someday as it was originally intended. Still, it's a very good film to simply watch at home, if for no other reason that I have mentioned than to see the many Hollywood stars and legendary character actors who populate the cast.