American Epic: The Ambitious Mess of “How the West Was Won” (1962)
Viewed in a poor-quality print, “How the West Was Won” (1962) might not do justice to its wide-screen grandeur. Despite its ambitious scope and substantial budget, the film feels like an antique even at its release. Spanning US history from 1825 to 1885, it aims to present a grand, gritty epic with historical depth, yet often falls into clichés and disjointed storytelling.
The film attempts to balance a semi-PC portrayal of history with an Imperial vision, incorporating every Western trope and even a few Debbie Reynolds song and dance numbers. The result is a mix of grand ambitions and comic book simplicity. The unevenness can be attributed to its four directors: Henry Hathaway’s assured hand guides three episodes; Richard Thorpe provides stagy historical tableaux; John Ford’s emotional genuineness shines in the Civil War segment; and George Marshall handles the railroad episode.
The story kicks back into gear with a thrilling train robbery after a sluggish third act. However, the disjointed narrative and shallow characters remain its greatest flaws. Reynolds and Carroll Baker feel out of place, while the large ensemble cast, including Jimmy Stewart, Karl Malden, and George Peppard, deliver commendable performances. Unfortunately, Carolyn Jones and Raymond Massey have throwaway parts, with Massey’s silent portrayal of Abe Lincoln highlighting the film’s superficial treatment of Civil War politics. Despite these shortcomings, Alfred Newman’s iconic score almost redeems the film, encapsulating the dreamlike essence of classic Hollywood.
Ultimately, “How the West Was Won” is a mixed bag. It showcases the best and worst of epic filmmaking, balancing historical ambition with cinematic spectacle, but ultimately falling short of its lofty goals.
