Rating of
3/4
How The West Was Won review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 01/28/12
A movie with an all-star cast about four generations of a family in the 1800’s. It involves the Prescott’s and perilous rapids. Next would be the story of Lily (Debbie Reynolds) and Cleve (Gregory Peck) being attacked by Indians. The American Civil war involving Zeb (George Peppard), Generals Ulysses S. Grant (Harry Morgan) and William Tecumseh Sherman (John Wayne) was narrated. Jethro Stuart (Henry Fonda) is then introduced, a buffalo hunter, gets in trouble with Mike King (Richard Widmark). Zeb (George Peppard) encounters Charlie Gant (Eli Wallach) and asks assistance from Gold City's marshal, Lou Ramsey (Lee J. Cobb).
The film had one of the best cinematography onscreen with various locations, the costumes were extravagant while the camera direction splendid. It’s score is apt for each frame shown with so many amazing scenes such as the family trying to survive the rapids, countless buffalo's rampaging, attack of the Indians and more. Only reservations this reviewer had was the lack of a real protagonist, overloaded stories which confuses the plot and pace of the storytelling. A few good lines: “It’s a man that counts, not where he lives.” “To be able to settle down in a life peace and quiet.” How The West Was Won is a fine adventure for families who are fascinated with the 1800 era.
