.jeri.

Thanks to a recommendation from Ryan, I put this at the top of my queue so that I would watch it before seeing the new version of 3:10 to Yuma. Actually, I still haven't seen the new one, but I'll get around to it sooner or later. Ric watched this movie with me, at first taunting me because I didn't tell him it was black and white, and later raving about the sense of morality that can be seen in this story (which is so uncommon in today's movies).

The story begins when Dan Evans and his son witness a robbery committed by Ben Wade's gang, which results in a couple of deaths. Evans and his son go to get help for the stranded coach while Wade visits a local tavern pretending to be passing through the town; this results in a great scene that shows us the depth of his character, when he has a short-lived love affair with the lady bartender. Unfortunately for him, Evans gets in to town before Wade can get out, and the infamous outlaw is captured. Things are soon a race against time to move Wade undetected and get him on the 3:10 to Yuma before his men can rescue him.

The two lead roles are what fuels the entire movie, especially the character of Dan Evans (played by Van Heflin), who isn't simply facing a physical conflict with Wade and his men. Evans is also weighed down by his current situation on his ranch, where he is running out of money and could lose everything if the drought doesn't end. When Wade (Glen Ford) offers him a generous amount in exchange for letting him go, Evans, a man who obviously has great integrity (especially when seen in the scenes at home with his son), is torn between doing what's right and providing for his family. The closer to 3:10 we get, the more tension there is between the two, and the fact that Wade is such a funny, almost friendly guy makes it all the more interesting.

Besides the great character and tension development, the movie is well framed and looks good. I particularly liked the shot of someone going upstairs in the hotel that had the chandelier in the forefront. I remember thinking, "Huh, that's an interesting shot," and then when the chandelier plays into the plot later on I thought, "Niiiiiice!" (think Kevin from The Office). I also liked the wide shots used to establish the setting and the feel of the setting, and the closing scenes involving the train, which I won't talk about in case anyone plans to watch the movie.

A suspense-filled movie with plenty of genuineness and laughter, as well as a few moments of surprising violence, and centered on a great sense of morality, 3:10 to Yuma was thoroughly satisfying. Hopefully I'll see the 2007 movie soon and be able to compare, but right now I'd say it has a lot to live up to.