Cast
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Dennis Morgan
as Marc Challon
Patricia Neal
as Ann Challon
Steve Cochran
as Cy Van Cleave
Scott Forbes
as Prentice
Dorothy Hart
as Lena Casamajor
Basil Ruysdael
as Pierre Challon
Louis Jean Heydt
as Jim Pozner (as Louis J. Heydt)
Roland Winters
as Sheriff Perigord
James Burke
as Hank
Elvira Curci
as Tia
Carlos Conde
as Germaine
John Crawford
as Sam
Rodolfo Hoyos Jr.
as Ben
Frosty Royce
as Frosty (uncredited)
Edward Hearn
as Treadwell - Lawyer (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Edwin L. Marin
Producer
- Saul Elkins
Reviews
John Chard
Thou shall not pass this pass!
Raton Pass is directed by Edwin L. Marin and written by Thomas W. Blackburn and James R. Webb. It stars Dennis Morgan, Patricia Neal, Steve Cochran, Scott Forbes and Dorothy Hart. Music is by Max Steiner and cinematography by Wilfred M. Cline.
Two families feuding over land either side of Raton Pass, New Mexico. Into their lives comes a beautiful seductress with manipulation and land dominance on her agenda...
Well well, what a treat. Something of a rare, little known or seen Oater, Raton Pass (AKA: Canyon Pass) really takes you by surprise. From the off we can see and hear this is a very nice production, with the twin greats of Steiner and Cline working their magic. Steiner's title music is Latino flavoured and then he introduces deft character motifs for the protagonists, while Cline's crisp black and white photography holds the eyes considerably.
For thirty minutes the picture simmers away like a standard "B" Western threatening to dull the senses with formulaic tedium, this is another reason why Steiner and Cline should be lauded as their work keeps you interested. But then the film completely turns, you notice that Cline's photography has suddenly shifted into film noir territory, and Neal has skillfully shifted from being the new loving wife on the block, to a complete femme fatale bitch! The plot dynamics now have a real edge, and as the smouldering Neal works her feminine whiles, this part of New Mexico territory boils away furiously until it inevitably explodes and spells doom and disappointment for some...
There's some crappy back projection work that undermines the quality elsewhere and the odd character is stereotypical of some Westerns of the period, but this has much to recommend. Marin (Johnny Angel/Nocturne/Colt.45/Sugarfoot) is fluid in his direction, while Neal and noir icon Cochran hold the screen as Max and Wilfred do their stuff. Currently licensed to TCM UK and available in HD format, I would urge any noir and Western fan in the UK to take the chance to see this rare picture the next time it shows. It doesn't deserve to stay rare. 7.5/10
Nov 8, 2013
Thematic Analysis
Raton Pass represents a fascinating example of Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Edwin L. Marin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1951, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Raton Pass took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1520 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1951, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Raton Pass shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ghost Town, which focuses more on action than character development, Raton Pass offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Will Penny and The Scarlet Letter explore similar territory, Raton Pass stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 7, 1951
- Runtime: 1h 24m
