THE MOUNTAIN ROAD
US, 1960, 102 minutes, Black and white.
James Stewart, Lisa Lu, Glenn Corbett, Harry Morgan, Frank Silvera, James Best.
Directed by Daniel Mann.
The Mountain Road is an interesting World War Two drama, different from many others because of its Chinese setting. A group of American engineers are in China to deal with a munitions dump to impede the progress of the Japanese invaders. How they find difficulties from the greedy Chinese warlords who are wanting to hoard and sell to the biggest buyers. James Stewart leads the group and encounters a Chinese widow and has to deal with his feelings for her. The film shows the workings of the group, their camaraderie, the difficulties as well as a group of Americans dealing with Chinese culture and Chinese people.
The film was directed by Daniel Man who had guided Shirley Booth to an Oscar in Come Back Little Sheba, Anna Magnani in The Rose Tattoo and, this same year, Elizabeth Taylor in Butterfield 8.
1. Was this a good war film? Interesting and involving?
2. The focus of the title and the indication of plot and theme?
3. Black and white photography, the atmosphere of the Americans? War atmosphere? How well communicated?
4. The visualising of the American style? The initial withdrawing from the base, the grandeur of the explosions? The freer life style and manners of the Americans? The clash with the Chinese? The fact of the Americans helping to lead rather than to dominate? Appreciate their own values and the values of others?
5. How is this focused in the character of Baldwin? The fact of James Stewart playing the role and his image? The explanation of Baldwin's background in America? wanting to be in the army, make decisions, take responsibility? His wanting to guide people? His impatience? Confrontation with the Chinese generals? With Madam Hung?
6. The contrast of the Chinese atmosphere: the people themselves, war in their land, refugees, the generals and their style, parlaying, interpreters, Madame Hung? The people in the village?
7. How was Madame Hung focus of Chinese values? Her hearing Baldwin's comments, her answering in English? The growing clashes of values and behaviour, the reality of love?
8. The picturing of illness, injury and madness along the mountain road? Metaphors of the human struggle during war?
9. The central siege of the village? The questions of the lorry? Baldwin's reactions? The easy flow into violence? The viciousness of siege and the number of deaths? Audience response to this? To Baldwin’s decisions?
10. The significance of Baldwin's reflections on his power and his use of it? The power was so easy, and to abuse it? How convincing was this message?
11. The reality of the parting? Two cultures continuing on their own way?
12. How was Baldwin changed during the film? His future? The influence of the war experiences on his future? As a message, for American audiences?
13. The film’s comment on war? Humanity, individuals and the change in war situations?
