DVD Review: Canyon Passage (1946)

Directed by Jacques Tournier. Cast: Dana Andrews, Susan Hayward, Brian Donlevy, Ward Bond, Patricia Roc, Lloyd Bridges, Andy Devine, Rose Hobart, Hoagy Carmichael, Fay Holden, Stanley Ridges, Onslow Stevens. Released July 17, 1946. Running time: 92 minutes.

Kino Lorber's classics division continues to make some of the finest western dramas available with Jacques Tournier's "Canyon Passage." Director Tournier had, by this time, already helmed "Cat People" and "I Walked With a Zombie" when after making a name with such mysteries decided to venture into the western genre.

"Canyon Passage" features Dana Andrews as Logan, a freight company owner who is asked by his best friend (Brian Donlevy) to bring his fiancee (Susan Hayward) home to Jacksonville, Oregon when he brings in his next shipment. The two become attracted to each other, but Logan maintains loyalty to his friend. Turns out George has been skimming gold dust out of his holdings for miners in order to pay off gambling debts. Ward Bond is the villainous and imposing Honey Bragg whom Logan believes murdered two miners, but he only has circumstantial evidence. This causes an underlying conflict.

Throughout the film, Tournier offers well-drawn characters in a compelling story that never becomes complicated with its tangential sub-plots. Everything ties together nicely, and the narrative if punctuated with fist fights, gun battles, and Indian attacks. The principal cast is bolstered by top names in support, including such western movie stalwarts as Andy Devine and Stanley Ridges. Hoagy Carmichael weaves in and out of the story, lightening the proceedings with his songs, including the Oscar nominated hit "Ole Buttermilk Sky."

Director Tournier's appreciation of the location scenery is exhibited by his wide shots where lush scenery fills the negative space. The vibrance of the Technicolor cinematography is further enhanced by Kino Lorber's beautiful restoration.

Producer Walter Wanger was originally planning to cast John Wayne and Claire Trevor in the lead roles, with Robert Siodmak directing. While one can't determine just how well that might have worked, "Canyon Passage" is, regardless, a solid post-war western that is well worth adding to any comprehensive library. Western film historian and expert Toby Roan's commentary is typically informative and enlightening.

Canyon Passage can be ordered here: CANYON PASSAGE