3:10 to Yuma (Special Edition)

 

 

Create your own review

The desolate backdrop of the old west , coupled with the wonderfully wistful title song (sung by Frankie Laine), gives this 1957 Columbia film an intriguing opening, one which the viewer cannot help but be absorbed. Van Heflin is Dan Evans, a rancher whose family is threatened by drought, and who is asked to bring notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) to Yuma to stand trial, for a sum that will undoubtedly help his financial problems. Wade's gang is jailed after committing a stagecoach robbery and killing, but they escape, planning to rescue their leader, so Dan must keep one step ahead of them as he escorts the handcuffed Wade to the train station. Felicia Farr has a nice supporting role as the bar girl, Emmy, who falls for Wade - Ford's villain knows how to charm the ladies, so much so that almost every woman falls under his spell. His engaging manner with the girls - "What's a woman for, if you can't treat her right?" - his romantic way of telling stories, almost literally makes the female population swoon. Even Dan's wife Alice (Lenore Dana) is temporarily taken with Wade as he sits, handcuffed, at the dinner table, telling a tale of a girl that he knew with sea-green eyes. Heflin can't understand why women fall for this - after all, this guy is a outlaw and a killer. As the two men arrive at the station town, Wade's gang is ready to pounce and so Evans and Wade hide out in a hotel room, the bridal suite, no less, to wait. Ben then plays mind games with Dan, trying to escape, to beat him down. Although Alice wants him to save himself by allowing Wade to escape, Dan realizes that he has to do it - not only for the money, but because it's the right thing to do. The two guys form a strange bond, as Ben's gang closes in. Had things been different, they may have even liked each other. Wade allows Dan to get him onto the train, explaining that he doesn't like to owe anyone any favors. There is a tentative understanding between them as Dan waves to his wife from the moving train, while the final chords of the title tune and Frankie Laine's voice close this psychological, fascinating Western.

Ford's performance is just flawless; he embodies his redeemable bad guy effortlessly, whistling the title song throughout relatively quiet sequences. And he is cunning and manipulative, knowing what buttons to push, as he subtly degrades Dan for not being a good husband and father. Maybe it's my female perspective, but somehow I don't think I'd be immune to his penetrating gaze. After he and Farr engage in a passionate kiss, we see them a few moments later emerging from the back room of the saloon, fully clothed of course, but there can be no doubt of what had transpired between them. As he is taken away by Evans and the marshal, he promises to send her some pearls. Heflin gives just the right amount of selflessness, courage and compassion as the one who has to perform an unpleasant, risky task to support his family. These two underrated actors fill the screen, and it's hard to imagine any other leading men of the time bringing the protagonist and bad guy to life. An up and coming Richard Jaekel plays Wade's right hand, a fair-haired, cold-hearted sidekick who will stop at nothing to free his leader. He would later go on to have a succession of similar roles in several genres. Director Delmer Daves collaborated with Ford on three Westerns, all of which are gems.

The DVD: Transfer looks great, with a few extra trailers included: "Bite The Bullet", "Silverado" and "MacKenna's Gold". It's a dual sided disc so that the viewer can choose between full screen and widescreen.

"Though you've got no reason to go there, and there ain't a soul that you know there, when the 3:10 to Yuma whistles its sad refrain, take that train . . . . . . . "

3:10 to Yuma is an excellent pyschological western with a similar story to High Noon. The leader of a gang is captured by a posse after a robbery and must be transported to another town so he can be moved on the train. One of the local farmers, who is in desperate need of money, agrees to travel with him and watch him until he can be put on the train, the 3:10 to Yuma. All along the way, the outlaw plays mind games with the farmer trying to manipulate him into letting him go. There is plenty here for western fans. The dialogue between Glenn Ford and Van Heflin is the best part of the movie as they go back and forth between them while Ford plays his mindgames on the unwilling hero, Heflin.

Glenn Ford gives one of his best performances ever as Wade, the smooth-talking, calm, but ruthless gang leader. His character is perfect for this role, and could not have been done any better. Van Heflin is just as good as the poor farmer watching over Wade. It is easy to see the anger inside of him as Wade continues to push his buttons as they wait for the train. The rest of the cast includes many western actors, most notably Richard Jaeckel as Charlie, the right hand man of Wade who plays the slimy gunfighter throughout. It is great to see this movie on DVD, which includes the widescreen presentation. Western fans will love this great movie with an even better cast!

I have been a fan of "3:10" since I was a kid. Every time it is on I have to watch it. It is compelling, beautiful and fascinating. This is a very powerful film for its time and stands up to today's standards. Glenn Ford is wonderful against type, a truly bad man, but able to charm the pants off the girls (literally) and becomes likable yet despicable. Van Heflin is excellent as well, both men play well off each other and we see without corniness the contrast between the two characters. The supporting cast includes some excellent talent, too, including Richard Jaeckle, Ford Rainey and others. This is a must see and a must own film, especially now that its on DVD, my VHS copy is all worn out...gee, I wonder why.

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 11 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Seduction 101 courtesy of Glenn Ford
Well, this is how you handle women guys. (spoiler alert) First he has Felicia Farr drooling all over herself, and then while in handcuffs takes a run at Van Heflins wife. Read more

Published on Nov 20 2002 by Ghenghis

5.0 out of 5 stars Stands equal to the very finest of the genre!
It may not display the the scenic effulgence of red painted buttes beneath a cereulian sky, as with the Searchers, or the impregnable fortress backdrop of the tetons,as with... Read more

Published on Aug 15 2002 by Michael Spivey, Ph.D.

4.0 out of 5 stars From a time when men had to prove they were men.
'3:10 To Yuma' is a stark monochrome Western that has been praised for its suspense and high moral tone. Read more

Published on May 22 2002 by darragh o'donoghue

4.0 out of 5 stars 3:10 to Hombre
The film "3:10 to Yuma" is not considered to be one of the "great" westerns because its ending is wrong. Read more

Published on April 7 2002

4.0 out of 5 stars A Western Hidden Treasure
Van Heflin stars as a struggling rancher who agrees to guard outlaw Glenn Ford for $200 as he is being escorted to jail in Yuma. Read more

Published on Nov 3 2001 by James L.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Forgotten Western
When speaking of the great Westerns such as SHANE, THE SEARCHERS and HIGH NOON, 3:10 TO YUMA should definitely be mentioned. Read more

Published on Aug 27 2000 by A. Wolverton

4.0 out of 5 stars The Great Build-Up
This 50's Western. which received great reviews on it's debut, is well worth the praise. The psychological build-up is gradual, with smaller peaks along the way (the man hanging... Read more

Published on July 20 2000 by D. Mckinzie

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Classic Western of the 1950s!
Glenn Ford is excellent in his portrayal of Ben Wade, leader of a western outfit who is being forced out of a small town for robbery & murder. Read more

Published on Aug 1 1998

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 11 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Search Listmania!