Bend on the River (1952)

[Scott]

BEND OF THE RIVER (1952) - Good 50's Western about pioneer days. AMC was showing this film directed by Anthony Mann who directed a few fine films in his time. Jimmy Stuwart stars as a former Missouri Raider who wants to live the simple life with some homesteaders near what may have been Mt. Rainer which was part of the back drop to this film. Some of the scenes were good like the paddle steamboat, the booming town of Portland Oregon, the conflicting interest of his trusted fellow Raider who was lured by gold, and the canyon turkey shoot. Not a bad film. This film even had the felmale lead from HOT ROD GIRL named Lori Nelson.

FIRECREEK (1968) was also playing at the same time on Encore Western Channel. I was able to catch some glimpes of it during AMC's commercials. It had Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda, and Jack Elam. Wouldn't mind seeing this one as it was made the same year as ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST.

[The Burgomaster]

Did you notice that Henry Fonda spent most of his early carreer as the likeable "every man?"  The he went through a short period where he played a bastard several times (such as ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST and MADIGAN)?  Then he reverted back to likeable characters again?

And in the midst of all this, he decided it would be a good idea to be in THE SWARM?