christopher-underwood Having shied away from westerns in the past (except for the spaghetti variety) it means I can come to a film like this afresh. And what a joy it is. From the very opening with the big sky and the tumbling landscape to the very end with clouds of steam from a trundling train, this is a beautiful experience. Based upon a story by a young Elmore Leonard, this is a solid tale, well told with dramatic and affecting photography and realistic and affecting dialogue. So many wondrous shots, children crowded behind a window and perfectly framed, ominous shadows across the bar-room floor anticipating the approach of the bad men. But are they that bad? For a film in which we basically have a ticking clock, ever anticipating the end, it is astonishing how complex the characters are revealed. The faultless Glenn Ford seduces the beautiful Felicia Farr and the magic moment as she prepares to give herself to the baddest man in town is the sparkling of her fluttering eyes. Her desires may run counter to the interests of the town and his may cause him unnecessary delay but hey they are only human. I won't give a way the ending but suffice to say it is at once predictable and astonishing. A smile, a laugh and a tear. A suitable ending for a film of many delightful contradictions and issues of human frailty. Brilliant.

Python Hyena 3:10 to Yuma (1957): Dir: Delmer Daves / Cast: Glenn Ford, Van Heflin, Henry Jones, Falicia Farr, Robert Emhardt: Suspense western regarding endurance within the confines of danger. An outlaw is apprehended and set for the train arriving at 3:10 heading to Yuma. Structure is mainly a room overlooking the streets where criminal Ben Wade attempts to convince Dan Evans to let him go. Director Delmer Daves does a fine job at creating tension but perhaps his villain is too likable. Glenn Ford plays the sly Wade who is arrested and readied for transportation but his gang is closing in once a diversion fails. Wade is experiencing some hospitality from Evans, which doesn't go unnoticed. Van Heflin portrays Evans who suffers the drought and accepts the job of transporting Wade. He has integrity even at the safety of Wade but he will remain at his duty. Henry Jones plays town drunk Alex Potter who provides comic relief despite very standard writing. He fails to fully comprehend the potential consequences of undertaking this task. Falicia Farr plays a saloon waitress whom Wade dazzles. She is very good but the role becomes more distant as the story moves on. Robert Emhardt is the one who makes the charge and the cash offer for this task to be performed. High Noon dealt with similar themes but with greater conviction while this film is somewhat hooky but entertaining. Score: 6 / 10

PimpinAinttEasy I picked up the Criterion Bluray of 3:10 to Yuma. Man, this film has some of the best black and white imagery ever put on film. Some of the shots are just so beautiful to look at. It is a film that is worth watching for the imagery alone. Those picturesque wide open American landscapes untouched by human beings and taverns with unused beer mugs and whiskey glasses are beautifully evoked.Glen Ford is in top form as the smooth talking villain. I have never rooted for the villain more than in this film. I guess it helped that his good adversary is the impotent looking Van Helfin. The so called good guys are all depicted as a bunch of bumbling traitorous fools.Two blots on this otherwise fine western - the hotel at the end where they are cooped up together waiting for the train was an eyesore. It had some gaudy set pieces. And the finale was a real let down. It was too hard to believe.(8/10)

msswagg Everything about this film is great. One of maybe half a dozen great westerns. Delmer Daves direction and Charles Lawton Jr.'s cinematography bring a perfect screenplay to life. My favorite part might be the interlude with Ben Wade (Glenn Ford at his best)and Emmy (Felicia Farr) in the saloon. Their chemistry is perfect. Then there is beautiful long shot of Emmy standing looking forlorn in the middle of the empty dusty street watching the stage coach taking Wade away. In the distance behind her and off to the left, Mr. Butterfield watches. Later there is a nice contrasting scene involving Dan Evens (Van Heflin) wife. A pleasure to watch solid straight forward film making.