MONTANA


US, 1950, 77 minutes, Colour.
Errol Flynn, Alexis Smith, S.Z. Sakall, Douglas Kennedy.
Directed by Ray Enright, Raoul Walsh.

Montana is a standard western, a brief running time, directed by veteran Ray Enright, director of many similar films at Warner Brothers during the 1930s and 40s.

It is a vehicle for Errol Flynn, his star power was in decline, making a few films during the 1950s before his untimely death in 1958. It is the first time that Errol Flynn actually played an Australian in a film. Apart from his turn in Thank Your Lucky Stars, he sings only in this film, a little song, Reckon I’m in Love, with Alexis Smith.

Alexis Smith and S. Z Sakall were regulars in Warner Brothers films.


1. An enjoyable western, its use of western conventions?

2. A western of the forties and fifties, Errol Flynn, colour, the cattle etc.?

3. The use of Montana as a place, a symbol of pride and the theme of cattle? versus sheepmen? The American heritage?

4. The explanation of the cattle origins, the ruthlessness of the wars, feeling?

5. The presentation of the sheepmen? how sympathetic? Their
cause?

6. Morgan as hero, suave, love for Silverton, his bargaining, deceit and the final fight? End justifying means?

7. Maria? strong, her heritage, a cattle baron, prejudices, strength, love, the significance of the final shooting?