Review of The Big Trail (1930) by Shirley M — 16 Jun 2009

Wow! Cinematically speaking - this is truly an incredible film. I had no idea there was even a 70mm widescreen process available at the end of the 1920's - but here it is - starring a ridiculously young John Wayne in one of his first credited roles at that. For fans of cinematography - this is an absolutely must see! The film was directed by Raoul Walsh (White Heat, High Sierra) and lensed by Arthur Edeson (Casablanca, Frankenstein) who shot the 70mm version concurrently with a standard 35mm version shot by a different cinematographer. I haven't seen the 35mm version yet but i've no doubt it will pale in comparison.

John Wayne plays the scout for a wagon train of settlers headed from the midwest to the fabled land of the Pacific northwest. Tyrone Power, Sr. (he is one big ugly dude - hard to believe he is Tyrone Powers dad) plays the surly Wagon Master. Marguerite Churchill (don't really know much about her) plays the pretty gal whom all the guys seem to be fighting over.

Storywise - it may seem like standard fare nowadays in it's depiction of the hardships faced by the pioneers - but the film gets bonus points for being one of the first to do so. This film is incredibly gritty and you feel like dusting yourself off afterwards because of all the dirt, dust and mud. But really... I think the primary attraction here is the beautifully composed widescreen photography. Talk about your mise en scène...!!!

I would really love to see this one on the big screen.