Bend of the River Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Cowboy babysits a bunch of settlers, then has to fight everyone in Oregon to get them their groceries after gold turns everyone greedy.

🍿 Bend of the River: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting Out for Oregon

In the 1850s, Glyn McLyntock, a former border raider seeking redemption, leads a wagon train of settlers from Missouri to the Oregon Territory. They face the perils of the Oregon Trail, including attacks by Native Americans. McLyntock rescues Emerson Cole from a lynching, and Cole joins the wagon train.

Arrival in Portland and the Gold Rush

The settlers arrive in Portland and purchase supplies for the upcoming winter. However, a gold rush erupts, and Tom Hendricks, the town’s corrupt merchant, reneges on his agreement to deliver the supplies. McLyntock and Cole confront Hendricks, leading to a violent confrontation. With the help of gambler Trey Wilson, they secure the supplies and begin transporting them back to the settlement by riverboat.

Betrayal and the Fight for Survival

As they travel upriver, Cole reveals his true colors, planning to divert the supplies to a mining camp for profit. He engineers a mutiny, leaving McLyntock stranded. McLyntock, driven by his desire to protect the settlers, pursues Cole and his gang, determined to reclaim the supplies and ensure the community’s survival.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Glyn McLyntock (James Stewart): A reformed Missouri border raider trying to lead a wagon train and establish a new, honest life in Oregon.
• Emerson Cole (Arthur Kennedy): A charming but treacherous former companion of Glyn, whose greed leads him to betray the settlers.
• Laura Baile (Julie Adams): A settler and the daughter of Jeremy Baile who is the love interest for both Glyn and Emerson.
• Trey Wilson (Rock Hudson): A skilled gambler who becomes an ally to Glyn in the fight to deliver supplies to the settlers.
• Jeremy Baile (Jay C. Flippen): The leader of the settler group, initially distrustful of Glyn and Emerson due to their pasts.
• Tom Hendricks (Howard Petrie): A corrupt town merchant who withholds supplies from the settlers after gold is discovered.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Glyn McLyntock: “Always point this (the wagon tongue) toward the North Star. Then come morning, we’ll know where we’re going.” – Glyn gives practical navigation advice to the settlers, symbolizing guidance towards a new life.
• Glyn McLyntock: “You’ll be seeing me!” – After being left for dead in the mountains, McLyntock warns Cole he will not be stopped.
• Jeremy Baile: “There is a difference between apples and men.” – Jeremy Baile expresses his belief that a rotten apple (bad person) can spoil the whole bunch of people.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $5,194

💥 Bend of the River Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Bend of the River’! It’s got that classic Western feel with a surprising amount of grit. James Stewart is fantastic as a guy trying to escape his past. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking – those shots of Mount Hood are incredible! I also loved the dynamic between Stewart and Arthur Kennedy; their friendship and eventual conflict kept me on the edge of my seat. Definitely a must-see for Western fans.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “James Stewart enthusiasts”
  • “Those who enjoy films with redemption themes”
  • “Viewers who appreciate scenic landscapes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and gunfights”
  • “Brief depiction of attempted lynching”
  • “Stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans”
  • “Racist caricatures (Stepin Fetchit)”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Mann’s direction brings a raw, rugged authenticity to the story, showcasing the harsh realities of pioneer life. Stewart delivers a compelling performance as a man wrestling with his past. The supporting cast is excellent, with Arthur Kennedy shining as the conflicted Emerson Cole. A classic Western that explores themes of redemption and the corrupting influence of greed.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While it occasionally leans into familiar Western tropes, ‘Bend of the River’ is elevated by its strong performances and stunning Oregon scenery. Stewart’s portrayal of a flawed hero is captivating, and the film’s exploration of morality and survival resonates. An enjoyable and thought-provoking entry in the Western genre.

Audience Reactions

The breathtaking scenery of Oregon truly brings the wild west to life.: Viewers consistently praise the movie for its action-packed plot, strong performances, and stunning visuals.

Stewart’s portrayal of a conflicted hero adds depth and complexity to the traditional Western archetype.: Many fans highlight Stewart’s performance as a standout, noting his ability to convey both toughness and vulnerability.

Overall Consensus: ‘Bend of the River’ is a well-regarded Western known for its compelling performances, stunning scenery, and exploration of complex themes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on location around Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, providing a stunning backdrop for the story.”
• “James Stewart’s portrayal of Glyn McLyntock marked a shift in his career towards more complex and morally ambiguous characters in Westerns.”
• “This was the second of five Westerns directed by Anthony Mann starring James Stewart, a collaboration that defined a significant era in the genre.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bend of the River?

Bend of the River is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital retailer for current pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bend of the River, you might like these similar films:

• Winchester ’73 (1950): Also directed by Anthony Mann and starring James Stewart, this film features similar themes of morality and redemption in the Wild West.
• The Naked Spur (1953): Another collaboration between Mann and Stewart, exploring the darker side of human nature and the harsh realities of the frontier.
• The Far Country (1954): Another Western by Anthony Mann starring James Stewart and focusing on tough individuals and the challenges of life in the untamed Northwest during a gold rush era.

🛒 Bend of the River Related Products

• James Stewart: The Signature Collection (Winchester ’73 / The Far Country / The Rare Breed / Shenandoah): This collection features James Stewart in other classic westerns. Provides hours of entertainment and showcases Stewart’s versatility.
• The Oregon Trail Card Game: A cooperative card game based on the classic computer game. Players work together to survive the journey to Oregon.
• Frontier Pioneer Woman Costume: Dress like Laura Baile, with this beautiful Pioneer Dress, just in time for the Halloween parties.
• Oregon, My Oregon – Sheet Music: Oregon’s state song. This music captures the spirit of the setting.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bend of the River features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Hans J. Salter
• “Wagon Train” – performed by Hans J. Salter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Bend In The River | The A-Team

Ever wonder if a movie inspired something else? This ‘A-Team’ episode shares the same name as the movie and borrows some themes. It’s pretty cool to see how it translates to a different medium!

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