CANYON PASSAGE

US, 1946, 91 minutes, Colour.
Dana Andrews, Patricia Roc, Hoagy Carmichael, Brian Donlevy, Susan Hayward, Lloyd Bridges, Ward Bond, Andy Devine.
Directed by Jacques Tourner.

Canyon Passage is a pleasing western from the mid-'40s, with colourful characters, colourful scenery, some drama. However, it is a portrait of American heritage, a tribute to the struggles of the pioneers. It also highlights the clash with the Indians.

The film is set in Oregon and captures sone of the beauty of that state. Dana Andrews is the somewhat taciturn but strong hero. Susan Hayward is, as ever, a vigorous heroine. Brian Donlevy is, as so often, an ambiguous character. There is a good supporting cast which includes Andy Devine and his children, English actress Patricia Roc in a rare appearance in an American film, a young Lloyd Bridges. Hoagy Carmichael also appears and composed several songs including the Oscar-nominated 'Buttermilk Sky.' Direction is by Jacques Tourneur, who had directed in the years preceding, a number of the very successful Val Lewton horror films including The Leopard Man, I Walked With A Zombie. Another of his westerns was the 1956 Great Day in the Morning.

1. Interesting and enjoyable western? The western frontiers? American heritage?

2. Oregon locations, the towns, the country? Musical score? The songs, Buttermilk Sky?

3. The title, the location? The sound of a western?

4. The focus on Logan: the attempt on his life? His The return journey with Lucy? in Portland, his business, meeting Lucy, gambling, attitude towards gold and money, detached? Friendship with George? Respect in the town? Setting up his business and the communications? The fight with Bragg, avoiding it, then defeating him? The attraction towards Caroline? Proposal? Her seeing that this was not wise? His love for Lucy and the trip with her? The shooting, George's trial, letting him escape? The hostility of Johnny? Friendship with the Dancers? With the posse, the pursuit of the Indians, the final fight? The reconciliation with Quey? Man of the west?

5. George, business, lending money? His not wanting to he in the west? His ambiguous regard for Lucy? For the wife of the saloon owner? The killing, trouble, the trial? Logan letting him escape? His death?

6. Lucy as the strong heroine, Susan Hayward's style, in town, on the trip, back home, her father? Her time with George, love for him? Attraction towards Logan but genial towards Caroline? The finale?

7. Caroline, presence in the United States, attracted towards Logan, with the Dancer family, in danger, the Indians, rescued? The reconciliation with the man who saved her and was in love with her?

8. The Dancers and their genial family life, helping the newly married couple to raise their cabin? The celebrations? The Indians' attack, the killing of the Dancers? Of the young couple?

9. Hi and his place in the town, songs, Hoagy Carmichael's style?

10. Bragg as villain, brutality, the attack on Logan? The challenge to fight? The big brawl between them? Hounded out of town? Pursued by the Indians? The posse refusing to let him in? His death?

11. Johnny and the other men in the town? Friendship, violent attitudes?