Bend of the River is one of a series of westerns, that James Stewart made with Anthony Mann. They stand out for their gritty and harsher approach to the western. Stewart was a fine actor, who was known for his roles in Frank Capra films. His work with Anthony Mann, brought him to an entirely different level of acting.
James Stewart in Bend of the River, plays Glyn McLyntock. He is a hardened gunfighter, who is leading a wagon train to Oregon. It has the normal western standards:Indian attacks and barroom brawls. This movie goes beyond a standard western. Glyn McLyntock is doing his best to lead people to a new life. Things go badly when supplies are stolen, and Emerson Cole, (Arthur Kennedy), and his group take control of the wagons, and leave Stewart stranded. McLyntock vows revenge, which Cole and company dismiss. As always, the bad guys misjudge the character and determination of the good guy. McLyntock comes back with a vengeance. His determination and courage inspire the homesteaders to lend a hand. One of them is Trey Wilson, played by Rock Hudson in an early role. While the gunplay goes back and forth, there is the climactic scene between Stewart and Kennedy. It is a well done scene, taking place in the Oregon River.
Anthony Mann gives the western a new look, going beyond standard with Bend of the River. It was shot on location in Oregon, by Irving Grassberg. Grassberg’s cinematography has highlighted nature’s beauty. His work is enhanced by beautiful technicolor. Mann has the standard barroom brawl, but the following scene with Stewart and company fleeing on horseback at night is exceptional. They get to the boat taking them back to the wagons, just in time. Mann has also added suspense when McLyntock has come back, hidden from Emerson Cole firing away at his position.
James Stewart has given dimension to his character of Glynn McLyntock. He goes from the nice wagon master, to a man seeking revenge, by the end of the film. When McLyntock is forced out, James Stewart projects his anger, with his face, his words of warning coming sternly across to the audience. James Stewart in this movie, manages to give a character to the western, that was different. It is one that doesn’t let adversity or betrayal beat him. These misfortunes drive him, and keep him focused to take back what is his. James Stewart’s work with Anthony Mann, helped Stewart to become one of the best actors Hollywood ever produced.
Bend of the River helped westerns develop to a different level. John Ford created full dimensional westerns. Anthony Mann moved to a different level of storytelling. The audience was made to feel that the character could be them. John Ford’s westerns are groundbreaking, and made John Wayne a star. Anthony Mann’s westerns made an actor like James Stewart, better at his craft. This allowed him to continue with better roles, making him not a movie star, but a Hollywood icon. Bend of the River continued to shape westerns, into an art form all their own; making them unique to American cinema.