Cast
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Gary Cooper
as Melody Jones
Loretta Young
as Cherry de Longpre
William Demarest
as George Fury
Dan Duryea
as Monte Jarrad
Frank Sully
as Avery de Longpre
Don Costello
as Leo Gledhill
Walter Sande
as Ira Waggoner
Russell Simpson
as Pop de Longpre
Arthur Loft
as Sheriff
Willard Robertson
as Luke Packard
Ray Teal
as Kriendler
Lane Chandler
as Boone
Ernie Adams
as Townsman (uncredited)
Erville Alderson
as Bartender (uncredited)
Silver Tip Baker
as Poker Player (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Stuart Heisler
Writer
- Nunnally Johnson
Producer
- Gary Cooper
Reviews
John Chard
Like I told your friend, never turn your back on anything... especially a girl!
Along Came Jones is directed by Stuart Heisler and adapted to screenplay by Nunnally Johnson from the Alan Le May novel The Useless Cowboy. It stars Gary Cooper, Loretta Young, Dan Duryea and William Demarest. Music is by Arthur Lange and cinematography by Milton R. Krasner.
Mild mannered Melody Jones (Cooper) and his friend George Fury (Demarest) wander into the town of Payneville. Because of the saddle on his horse having the initials M J, Jones is mistaken for being wanted outlaw Monte Jarrad (Duryea), something which brings him into conflict with the townsfolk - and Jarrad himself!
Monte Jarrad. Tall and skinny, mean tempered and extra fast with a gun - travels with half-wit uncle called Uncle Roscoe something.
Cooper for the first time enters the realm of producer and delivers a sly spoof of the Western genre that served him so well. Cooper as Jones is happy to laugh at himself, portraying him as an amiable buffoon. Initially it's not easy to accept such a laconic and mighty presence as being such a character, but Cooper quickly draws you in. Cooper is aided by professional turns from Young, Duryea and Demarest, who in turn get a sprightly script of fun dialogue to work from - which in a film of much chatter is crucial to make it work.
Elsewhere, what action scenes are forthcoming are moderately staged and Krasner's black and white photography is gorgeous in print form, but the locales and set designs just sort of sit there waiting to be elevated. The budget restriction in place is annoying, where we should have sweep and out of studio airiness, we instead have cheap tricks and crude back projection, this cast deserves better production value. Plotting is also thin and formulaic, the screenplay and Heisler's direction playing safe and not doing justice to the satirical beats trying to be heard.
It's fun and charming enough to be worth time spent on viewing, and Cooper and co are good company, but it should have been better and had better care afforded it from a technical standpoint. 6/10
Dec 9, 2018
Thematic Analysis
Along Came Jones represents a fascinating example of Western/Comedy 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 Stuart Heisler 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 1945, 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 Along Came Jones took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1945, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- 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 Along Came Jones shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Nobody Must Die, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Along Came Jones offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Man in the Saddle and Wild Rovers explore similar territory, Along Came Jones 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: July 19, 1945
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
