Rating: 
Summary: Might Have Been
Review: This is a pretty intriguing picture if only because it's a case of a potential classic that didn't come off. It marked the beginning of Anthony Mann's decline as a director; he walked off just as shooting began, the same stunt he would pull on "Spartacus" two years later. James Stewart, who was his own producer for most of the Fifties, was furious, as well he might have been, and never worked with Mann again, despite their wonderful collaboration on eight previous movies. Its a shame the two of them couldn't have cooled off, put their heads together, and ironed out the script problems. There is some beautiful and novel material in "Night Passage," the story of an outlaw gang preying on a new railroad in the Colorado mining territory. Great performances by everone, especially Audie Murphy. It just needed a stronger hand at the helm to pull it all together.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing 50s western
Review: Together, actor James Stewart and director Anthony Mann made five westerns in the fifties that are now considered classics of the genre. Night Passage was scheduled to be the sixth collaboration, until Mann pulled out because he considered the script sucked. Stewart stayed on purely because he got the chance to play the piano accordian and sing - which he does ad nauseum throughout the film (even in the bad guys hideout - and to make matters worse they all cluster around him in classic movie musical style!). It's only about five minutes into the film when you can see why Mann pulled out. There's none of the same intensity of his other westerns. It meanders along, with too many comic/cute/miusical asides. The usually reliable Dan Duryea fumbles his role of the head of the outlaws (it's as if he was briefed that the film was a comedy), so there's no strong villain to offset the heroes and thereby create tension. On the plus side, there's some stunning mountain scenery beautifully captured in this widescreen print, and we do have those two villainous western stallwarts, Robert Wilkie and Jack Elam along for the ride. And the final lengthy shootout in the deserted mountain mining camp is fun, if not riveting.
Rating: 
Summary: NOT THE USUAL BACON AND BEANS WESTERN FARE
Review: When it comes to westerns we like to think of stars like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Tom Selleck (of late). But Jimmy Stewart is a name that should absolutely come to mind every time. Stewart sits his horse well, is believable in hat, boots and spurs, and seems more believable as the consummate good guy of the west. NIGHT PASSAGE, the story of a shamed railroad troubleshooter who is out to redeem his name and his younger brother who has gone bad (Audie Murphy), showcases Stewart's considerable acting abilities very well. And it's a musical western to boot! With toe-tappers like "You Can't Get Far Without a Railroad" and "Follow the River" both sung by none other than Jimmy Stewart, and a striking soundtrack that beautifully complements the mountains and skies that form the backdrop for this one and you've got nothing short of a very enjoyable western. No, this isn't a western of the predictable genre but it's a breath of fresh air when all you've had is the bacon and beans set for your last ten western viewings. You want John Wayne then watch John Wayne. But don't miss this Jimmy Stewart classic. Available at last on widescreen DVD!
Rating:
Summary: NOT THE USUAL BACON AND BEANS WESTERN FARE
Review: When it comes to westerns we like to think of stars like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Tom Selleck (of late). But Jimmy Stewart is a name that should absolutely come to mind every time. Stewart sits his horse well, is believable in hat, boots and spurs, and seems more believable as the consummate good guy of the west. NIGHT PASSAGE, the story of a shamed railroad troubleshooter who is out to redeem his name and his younger brother who has gone bad (Audie Murphy), showcases Stewart's considerable acting abilities very well. And it's a musical western to boot! With toe-tappers like "You Can't Get Far Without a Railroad" and "Follow the River" both sung by none other than Jimmy Stewart, and a striking soundtrack that beautifully complements the mountains and skies that form the backdrop for this one and you've got nothing short of a very enjoyable western. No, this isn't a western of the predictable genre but it's a breath of fresh air when all you've had is the bacon and beans set for your last ten western viewings. You want John Wayne then watch John Wayne. But don't miss this Jimmy Stewart classic. Available at last on widescreen DVD!
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