How the West Was Won (1962) Summary
“How the West Was Won” (1962) is a sprawling epic that attempts to encapsulate the vast history of the American West through multiple vignettes, directed by John Ford, Henry Hathaway, and George Marshall. Despite its ambition and star-studded cast, the film’s unevenness and clichés detract from its historical grandeur.
Key points
Cast
- Carroll Baker as Eve Prescott
- James Stewart as Linus Rawlings
- Gregory Peck as Cleve Van Valen
- George Peppard as Zeb Rawlings
- Debbie Reynolds as Lilith Prescott
- John Wayne as General Sherman
- Henry Fonda as Jethro Stuart
- Richard Widmark as Mike King
- Walter Brennan as Colonel Jeb Hawkins
- Lee J. Cobb as Marshal Lou Ramsey
- Harry Morgan as General Ulysses S. Grant
Review
“How the West Was Won” is a cinematic relic, an ambitious attempt to depict the westward expansion of America from 1825 to 1885. Shot in Cinerama, the film showcases stunning wide-screen visuals, though the print quality often fails to do justice to its grand scope. The film’s ambition is palpable, but its execution leaves much to be desired.
The narrative unfolds in five segments, each helmed by a different director. Henry Hathaway directs three episodes with a steady hand, Richard Thorpe delivers stagy historical tableaux, John Ford’s brief Civil War section stands out for its emotional depth, and George Marshall’s railroad sequence drags until the climactic train robbery.
The story’s disjointed nature and shallow character development are major flaws. Despite its star-studded cast, including James Stewart, Karl Malden, and George Peppard, the characters often feel like caricatures. Carroll Baker and Debbie Reynolds, in particular, seem out of place in this historical epic.
The film tries to present a balanced view of American history, incorporating themes of fairness and semi-political correctness. It addresses the rapaciousness of railroad builders and includes a sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans. However, the film’s attempt at grandeur often falls flat, relying on clichés and melodrama.
One of the film’s saving graces is Alfred Newman’s majestic score, which adds a dreamlike quality and nearly redeems the film’s shortcomings. The cinematography captures the beauty of the American frontier, making the film visually stunning despite its narrative flaws.
The cast does its best with the material, with standout performances from James Stewart, Karl Malden, and the underrated George Peppard. Sellers delivers multiple roles with aplomb, although the film’s unevenness undermines his efforts.
In Conclusion “How the West Was Won” is a film that struggles to live up to its epic ambitions. While it offers a visual feast and a glimpse into the history of American westward expansion, its disjointed narrative and shallow characterizations hinder its impact. However, the film’s grandiose score and stunning cinematography make it worth a watch for history and cinema enthusiasts. Available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms, it remains a fascinating, if flawed, piece of cinematic history.
