Blu Ray Review: HORIZON’S WEST (1952)

Kino Lorber has released Budd Boetticher’s taut western drama about two brothers who return to Texas after the Civil War and end up on opposite sides of the law. Variations of this theme are as old as cinema, with such highlights including Manhattan Melodrama (1934) with Clark Gable and Angels With Dirty Faces (1938) featuring James Cagney.

Exploring this conflict in a western setting, Boetticher directs Robert Ryan as Dan Hammond, a man who builds a wealthy empire through shady land deals that take advantage of tax laws, as he is inspired by an equally ruthless land baron, Cord Hardin, played by Raymond Burr. Ryan’s law-abiding brother is Neal (Rock Hudson), who contentedly works their parents’ spread and eventually becomes Marshall through his honesty and integrity when one is suddenly needed. Along with the conflict between the brothers, Cord’s wife, played by Julie Adams, has designs on Dan.

Boetticher directs this film with an even pace, with well-drawn characters that respond to the narrative effectively. The actors are all welcome veterans, with the cast further rounded out by the likes of James Arness, Dennis Weaver, and Frances Bavier (Arness and Weaver a few years before co-starring in TV’s Gunsmoke). The performances are outstanding, with Ryan dominating his scenes, despite handsome Hudson’s imposing presence and Raymond Burr’s wonderfully creepy villainy. Julie Adams adds charm and beauty to the proceedings.

The film is colorful and engrossing, and despite its standard plot, it never seems cliched or predictable. There are enough twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged throughout. Even the climactic shootout, while inevitable, is exciting and daring.

Boetticher beautifully frames his scenes, despite this being full-screen, as it was filmed a few years before the widescreen process was in common use. The negative space is nicely filled, and the use of color nicely illuminates each scene.

Kino Lorber’s blu ray includes an Audio Commentary by expert Western film historian Toby Roan.

The blu ray can be ordered here: Horizon’s West