What is this you ask? I am forever cognizant, particularly in this day in which we live, of the heightened tensions between all groups or demographic divisions of people. Especially significant it seems to me at the moment is the media driven tension between men and women. In this movie, filmed in 1961 there is an abundance of tension....BUT...what I wanted to focus on is TWO superb performances given by both the FEMALE as well as the male leads. Relatively unknown actress Maria Schell, delivers a riveting performance in her portrayal of an eastern woman who married and game west with her "always on the move" husband Glenn Ford. In my view Ford knows NO superior in a western role [including Cooper, Wayne Eastwood] and his performance in "Cimarron" is flawless. He is teamed with Maria Schell and a brilliant supporting cast in this film shot with the Oklahoma land Rush as a backdrop.
A technique that separates a TRUE artist from just a good actor or actress, is the ability to stir the emotions within the viewer by mere facial gestures or body language absent lines. Do you recall Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca when her eyes glistening with heavy tears, begged Bogart to reconsider? Maria Schell adds the same richness to her performance here as the camera closes in to catch her speechless but exuding anguishing disappointment that will melt the viewers heart. Makes you want to reach out and comfort her again and again. The same with Ford as he tries to demonstrate by action the futility and stupidity of a young nation dripping with bias against the Indian, against the free press etc.
I am often surprised that this movie is relatively little known yet so chock full of fiber and character bits that I have yet to recommend it to anyone who said they were NOT moved by it. Doing anything this weekend of importance, why not pull up a stump, pop some popcorn and invite the entire family, to a rugged, action packed old western that will leave you brimming with the joy of life itself. Then tell me what you thought will you?
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