Rating: 
Summary: The Ox-Bow Incident from the Beginning
Review: I first saw this movie in 1943 in Nebraska. In those days, some theatres would show "previews," or complete movies that had not yet been released in the area. Typically, these were shown following the last feature on Saturday night, which meant that it was close to midnight before the preview began which, in turn, meant that usually there were few people in the theatre. The Ox-Bow Incident is one of the most unrelievedly gloomy, brooding, threatening movies ever made. Try to imagine seeing this film for the first time, well after midnight in a small Nebraska town in an almost empty theatre, with the distinct feeling that what appeared on the screen could just as well be happening right outside the theatre. With the possible exception of The Third Man (also first seen as a preview), no movie has had as lasting an impact on me. The premise was not especially novel - a small town mob of hard cases, sluggards, and just plain cow pokes and townspeople set out to catch some cattle rustlers who killed a respected, at least in death, member of the community and avenge his murder. They rather quickly come upon the rancher's herd being driven by Dana Andrews, Anthony Quinn, and an older hand who seems not to be of sound mind. Andrews pleads their innocence with tears and begging that is almost painful to watch; Quinn spits defiance and scorn for his captors; and the senior citizen seems puzzled about what is happening. Henry Fonda and Henry (later Harry Morgan of "Mash" fame) Morgan, are two cow punchers who unfortunately drift into town along with word of the rustling and killing. They initially appear destined to be the forces of reason who will keep the mob under control. Arthur Davies, as a storekeeper who strongly believes in his religion and the constitution of his country, fervently pleads with what quickly has turned into a mob to do the Christian thing and to follow the strictures of the law. But it is evident that he has played a similar role too often with most of the members of the mob and has lost whatever effectiveness he might have had. To a degree, Fonda and Morgan try to back him, but as strangers themselves, they are not immune to suspicion so must tread warily. What would be a subplot if it bore less on the outcome of the film involves an attempt of a retired army officer to force his nearly grown son to "act like a man." His attempts have disastrous effects on the whole venture. The movie is faithful to the Walter Van Tilburg Clark book that is little more than a short story. The issue of how quickly a group of citizens can turn into an unthinking mob which is pivotal to this film was hardly new at the time. What makes the film strike you in the solar plexus like a horse's kick is the marvelous somber, dark, ominous atmosphere of the surroundings, from the interior of the bar to the outside, coupled with the powerful acting of the cast from top to bottom. There is not a weak link in the cast. Fonda is world-weary but still possessed of a sense of decency. He endeavors, perhaps with less than unbridled enthusiasm, to keep the mob from its intended action, but seems to convey that he knows he will not succeed. Morgan, is excellent in the sidekick role. Davies, Quinn, Andrews,and the rest all are excellent. On my list of best films, this one surely is in the top 10. It is a crying shame that it is not better known and more widely honored. Like some other reviewers, I wonder when a DVD will be made; one is long overdue.
Rating:
Summary: Frontier Justice
Review: I had read "The Ox-Bow Incident" some time before I had the opportunity to see the movie. I'm not sure what channel I caught it on but I was smart enough to tape it. Unfortunately, I was foolish enough to have a Beta VCR at the time. This is a timeless movie with a superb script that was well-adapted from Walter Van Tilberg Clark's western novel. The acting is terrific with Henry Fonda putting in an outstanding performance along with an excellent cast overall. The movie probably isn't even 90 minutes in length but in the time we have we are witness to an exceptional story. The plot is simple: In the late 1800's, news of the murder of a popular rancher reaches the local western town. In shock and anger, a posse is formed and the chase is on. They find the three men they seek, hold an on-the-spot trial and deliver justice in the frontier form of capital punishment. The bulk of the movie focusses on the "trial" of the three men who protest that they are innocent and unaware of the crime. We see how anger and hatred can close otherwise open minds. We see how people can be intimidated to not speak up against an authoritative majority. It reminds one of the quote of Edmund Burke that the only thing necessary for the success of evil "is that good men do nothing". This movie is a spellbinding drama that came out in the midst of WWII. One can often enjoy many of the "propaganda" slants of the movies of that era. However, this is a very sobering message that suggests that the evils we were then fighting could become our own if we weren't careful. Perhaps the director chose this movie as a way of making a statement about the Japanese internments of the time. If so, it was an excellent yet subtle message. It is a timeless reminder to all of us.
Rating: 
Summary: The Oxbow Incident With Henry Fonda
Review: I have watched this film twice in the past 2 years. I think it is a good film. The only problem I had with it was the darkness of many of the scenes. I watched a video of it. Hopefully the DVD is a bit brighter. I think it is a film worth watching once or twice in your lifetime, but not much more. The acting is good and a good film for high school age kids to see. It is more of a film regarding morality, mob rule and decisions made by individuals based on unsupported evidence. A good film and a good price of around 9-11 dollars at most stores.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good, If Theatrical, Western
Review: I really would have liked to like this movie more than I did. Not that I didn't enjoy it--I thought it had a very good screenplay and three especially good performances from Fonda, Andrews, and Quinn. I thought, after seeing "Laura" and "The Best Years of Out Lives," that the casting of suave Dana Andrews in a western was ludicrous, but here he gives a very heartfelt and authentic performance. The only real problem I found in this film was that it's home seems to be suited more to the stage than the screen. Most all the action takes place in one setting, which can be very effective for building suspense, but here the camera and editing seem to toned down to do so. The only moment for me that was pure cinema was after the three innocent men were hanged and a black preacher sang "Lonesome Valley" as we watched the merciless mob leave the scene. The discovery of the men's innocence lacked the power it needed. But, overall, this was a very thought-provoking film, and should be regarded as such.
Rating:
Summary: I've never forgotten this film!
Review: I saw this movie in a film history class in college. That was 8 years ago and I can still remember how it kept me on the edge of my seat. I usually don't get caught up in the emotion of films. Especially Westerns. But this film was different. I highly reccommend this to any Western lover. By the way, I dislike Westerns-so that must say something for this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable Film, "Ox-Bow Incident"
Review: I saw this movie when I was a kid, and the moral still stands true today: self-righteous violence doesn't help.
This movie has a claustrophobic feel, giving more power of the film. I don't know of any movies like this one. It's one of my favorites because of the message. The movie teaches a lesson about the righteous mob. It's well-done, and the acting's good, with screen legends. This movie is a screen legend. Every person should have to watch this movie at least twice, in a classroom if available. From there, it will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best westerns I have ever seen
Review: I thought that this film was wonderful. The cinematography was phenomenal and very effective. Dana Andrews and Anthony Quinn give impressive performances, while Henry Fonda proves (once again) why he is one of the greatest actors ever. The film makes a grave statement about the mentality and morality of an angry mob. The results of this anger, is disasterous and truly sad. I highly recommend this film.
Rating:
Summary: A Very Good Piece of Cinema
Review: Last night I recommended this movie to a friend who mentioned she is not really into western as a film genre. I told her I generally felt the same way, but after watching a few westerns (Unforgiven, Butch Cassidy AND this film), my view of westerns as run-of-the-mill shot 'em ups changed. This movie is far from standard, it is a study of humanity and our individuality, or lack thereof. The stagey, theatrical element adds to the beautiful simplicity of the story being told. I highly recommend this film.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent and still very relevant
Review: Never has so much tragedy been packed into such a brief film (not even 90 minutes in length). Ostensibly a western, this film is an unsettling examination of the nature of mob mentality. In large part, the wave of lynchings sweeping the Jim Crow South was behind the story being told. Although, fortunately, lynching is for the most part behind us, our propensity towards a mob mentality remains with us in great abundance. In times of national hysteria, movies such as this are a not so subtle reminder of what we, as a species at large, are sometimes capable of doing. This is a magnificently crafted film. The tragedy of the events still carry great impact, even after 60 years. This a truly moving film that should by all means be a part of every collection, even if you don't care particularly for westerns.
Rating:
Summary: Democracy in Action
Review: Rule of the mob? Anyone who beleives 'democracy' is always good thing should watch this movie very carefully and consider the callousness of majority rule.
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