Westward, also known as Vers l’Ouest in French, is a 1950 French-American Western film directed by André de Toth and starring Joseph Cotten and Yvonne De Carlo. The movie tells the story of a young man who sets out on a journey west to discover new lands and a sense of purpose.

Technical Specifications

Westward was released during a time when the Western genre was gaining popularity in Hollywood, with films like “The Searchers” (1956) and “High Noon” (1952) setting the standard for future Westerns. The movie’s production involved a mix of studio sets and location shooting in Arizona and Utah.

Storyline

The film follows the story of a young man named John McAdam (Joseph Cotten), who has grown up on a ranch but feels stifled by the monotony of his life. He sets out on a journey west, driven by a sense of adventure and a desire to discover new lands and people. Along the way, he meets a woman named Anne Rutledge (Yvonne De Carlo) and together they face challenges such as treacherous terrain, hostile Native Americans, and personal struggles.

Characters

The characters in Westward are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique personality to the story. John McAdam is a young man driven by a sense of adventure and a desire for discovery, while Anne Rutledge is a strong-willed woman who has her own motivations for joining John on his journey.

Themes

Westward explores several themes that were relevant during its time, including the idea of Manifest Destiny and the concept of the “American Dream.” The film also touches on issues such as racism and prejudice, as well as the challenges faced by pioneers in the early days of American settlement.

Legacy

Westward was not a major commercial success upon its release, but it has since gained a cult following among Western fans. The movie’s cinematography is particularly noteworthy, with its use of sweeping vistas and dramatic landscapes helping to create a sense of scope and scale.

Comparison to Competitors

Westward can be compared to other Westerns from the 1950s, such as “The Searchers” (1956) and “High Noon” (1952). While these films share some similarities with Westward in terms of their themes and characters, they differ in terms of tone and style. For example, “The Searchers” is a more serious and somber film that explores issues such as racism and violence, while “High Noon” is a more suspenseful thriller that focuses on the personal struggles of its protagonist.

Conclusion

Westward is a lesser-known Western from the 1950s that offers a unique perspective on the genre. With its well-developed characters, sweeping cinematography, and exploration of themes relevant to its time, Westward is a film worth watching for fans of the Western genre.

Technical Details

• Production Company: RKO Radio Pictures
• Release Date: August 1950
• Runtime: 88 minutes
• Format: Black-and-white
• Soundtrack: Hans J. Salter
• Cinematography: William E. Snyder

Cast

• Joseph Cotten as John McAdam
• Yvonne De Carlo as Anne Rutledge
• Robert Barrat as Ben Rutledge
• Edgar Buchanan as Henry Rutledge
• Ray Teal as Tom Fossett

Crew

• Director: André de Toth
• Producer: Sidney Hickox
• Screenplay: Alfred L. Werker and John Twist
• Cinematography: William E. Snyder
• Editing: Harry Reynolds