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Men of the Plains

Men of the Plains (1936)

Sep 28, 1936 1h 2m Western

The Government sends Dean, Baxter, and Gordon to investigate a series of train holdups. Travis is behind the robberies and they are soon on his trail. When things get hot, Travis has a plan of double-crossing his own men that will enable him to keep not only his gold but also the money it is insured for.

Directed by Robert F. Hill

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Robert F. Hill
Producer
  • Arthur Alexander
  • Max Alexander

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Thematic Analysis

Men of the Plains 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 Robert F. Hill 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 1936, 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 Men of the Plains took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 62 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 84 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1936, when this film was released:
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Men of the Plains shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Valley of Death, which focuses more on action than character development, Men of the Plains subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Far Country and One-Eyed Jacks explore similar territory, Men of the Plains stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 28, 1936
  • Runtime: 1h 2m

Where to Watch

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