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Amazon.co.uk Review
The far country of the title is Alaska, where James Stewart, a cold-hearted cattleman, and his sidekick Walter Brennan, a garrulous old codger, drive a herd of cattle to cash in on the gold rush. Stewart is the ultimate loner, a point the film takes pains to paint as he watches helpless miners murdered by a gang of thugs without lifting a finger. John McIntyre plays his nemesis, a magnetic but corrupt Roy Bean-like judge and merchant who preys off the miners passing through his town and steals Stewart's cattle in the name of justice. Stewart, after signing on to lead saloon owner Ruth Roman's wagon train to the mining camp, steals back his herd and makes himself a respectful enemy: "I'm gonna like you. I'm gonna hang you, but I'm gonna like you," grins McIntyre. The rest of the film is a battle for Stewart's soul, between resolute individualism and community activism, between bad woman Roman and good girl Corinne Calvet (one of the film's weakest elements, admittedly, as the sparks between Stewart and Roman are far more exciting than Calvet's silly kewpie doll in flannel). The Far Country is largely shot on studio sets and pulls out familiar Western tropes not usually seen in his films, but Mann brings an edge to the drama with explosions of cold-blooded violence and a brilliant final shootout that plays out on a split-level plain. --Sean Axmaker
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The penultimate collaboration between director Anthony Mann and star James Stewart (excluding the few days Mann worked on Night Passage before parting company with the star under less than amicable circumstances), The Far Country belies its mainstream look to offer another portrait of an embittered man dragged unwillingly to his own redemption, fighting it every step of the way. This time he's a cattle driver whose response to labour problems - challenging troublesome cowhands to a gunfight at the end of the trail - results in his cattle being confiscated by John McIntire's larcenous judge of the Roy Bean school of law and order. Stealing them back and taking them across the Canadian border, he soon finds himself unwillingly drawn into the growing conflict between prospectors and the judge as he cheats or kills them out of their claims...
While it's no great surprise which way Stewart turns at the end, he's a surprisingly callous critter along the way, even using his desire to just be left alone to excuse not warning a group of prospectors of an impending avalanche when he has the chance because it's not his problem. For most of the film there's really only a hair's breadth between him and McIntire, something the judge recognises immediately, revelling in the company of a kindred spirit even as he's genially planning to lynch him. In many ways the townspeople who put their faith in him probably recognise it too - despite their appeals to his dead-and-buried better nature, there's an unspoken acknowledgement that the only person who can stand up to the judge is someone almost as bad as he is.
As usual with Mann there's an exceptional use of high country locations, though for once the final showdown takes place on level ground, and the film is almost perfectly cast with strong support from Walter Brennan, Harry Morgan and Ruth Roman (though Corinne Calvert's young romantic interest veers to the irritating). Sadly the great cinematography of the Canadian Rockies is done few favours by a distinctly average DVD transfer, with only the theatrical trailer as an extra.
While it's no great surprise which way Stewart turns at the end, he's a surprisingly callous critter along the way, even using his desire to just be left alone to excuse not warning a group of prospectors of an impending avalanche when he has the chance because it's not his problem. For most of the film there's really only a hair's breadth between him and McIntire, something the judge recognises immediately, revelling in the company of a kindred spirit even as he's genially planning to lynch him. In many ways the townspeople who put their faith in him probably recognise it too - despite their appeals to his dead-and-buried better nature, there's an unspoken acknowledgement that the only person who can stand up to the judge is someone almost as bad as he is.
As usual with Mann there's an exceptional use of high country locations, though for once the final showdown takes place on level ground, and the film is almost perfectly cast with strong support from Walter Brennan, Harry Morgan and Ruth Roman (though Corinne Calvert's young romantic interest veers to the irritating). Sadly the great cinematography of the Canadian Rockies is done few favours by a distinctly average DVD transfer, with only the theatrical trailer as an extra.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Anthony Mann's series of Westerns with James Stewart playing the very human, angst ridden hero have quite rightly been hailed as Western classics by many respected film critics. So who am I to disagree. This impressive series consists of "Winchester 73"(50), "Where the River bends"(53), "The Naked Spur"(54), "The Far Country(55) and "The Man from Laramie"(56). James Stewart's hero battles his own demons in all of them. He often gets roughed up. But he always comes back stronger. Mann deserves his place in the pantheon of great directors, together with John Ford, Sam Peckinpah, Howard Hawks and Budd Boetticher as other notables from the genre.
A brief synopsis as this has already been covered. Jeff Webster (Stewart) and his partner Ben Tatum (Walter Brennan) travel to Alaska to sell cattle. Webster is all business and Tatum is all talk, which later leads to big trouble. Whilst in Skagway Webster falls foul of of a crooked lawman played by John MacIntyre. They eventually make their way inland to Dawson where Webster sells his cattle, investing the money in a gold stake. Dawson is run by a bunch of thugs who will murder for gold but Webster to the annoyance of the law abiding citizenry does nothing. Webster is eventually provoked into action by the murder of Tatum. The scene is set for the climactic shoot out.
This film would not be everybodys choice as the best from the series, but it is mine. There are a number of reasons why I have always admired it above the others. The location of Alaska and the inspired use of Jasper National Park adds hugely to the film. It is handsome to watch, the scenery being absolutely magnificent. "North to Alaska" starring John Wayne was one of the few I can recall, but that was not in this films league. Walter Brennan puts in another great scene stealing performance. Brennan would take out his false teeth and play the same character in many Westerns."Red River" and "Rio Bravo" being two of the most memorable. The amazon review for the Region 2 DVD describes his character as a "Garrulous old codger". Just loved that description! Stewart plays the slow burning hero with a few headaches brilliantly. I loved the climactic shootout. Perhaps one of the best ever, where Stewart's famous horse Pie and a bell make a significant contribution.
I have few reservations about this film. It is great entertainment. If you want to be pernickety, I would have to say John MacIntyre was not in the same league of heavies as Arthur Kennedy or Robert Ryan. I also found it hard to see the garrulous old codger shot down in cold blood. No wonder Stewart got mad. I was apoplectic watching. But seriously this is great watching. I hope if you decide to buy this film that you enjoy it as much as I have.
A brief synopsis as this has already been covered. Jeff Webster (Stewart) and his partner Ben Tatum (Walter Brennan) travel to Alaska to sell cattle. Webster is all business and Tatum is all talk, which later leads to big trouble. Whilst in Skagway Webster falls foul of of a crooked lawman played by John MacIntyre. They eventually make their way inland to Dawson where Webster sells his cattle, investing the money in a gold stake. Dawson is run by a bunch of thugs who will murder for gold but Webster to the annoyance of the law abiding citizenry does nothing. Webster is eventually provoked into action by the murder of Tatum. The scene is set for the climactic shoot out.
This film would not be everybodys choice as the best from the series, but it is mine. There are a number of reasons why I have always admired it above the others. The location of Alaska and the inspired use of Jasper National Park adds hugely to the film. It is handsome to watch, the scenery being absolutely magnificent. "North to Alaska" starring John Wayne was one of the few I can recall, but that was not in this films league. Walter Brennan puts in another great scene stealing performance. Brennan would take out his false teeth and play the same character in many Westerns."Red River" and "Rio Bravo" being two of the most memorable. The amazon review for the Region 2 DVD describes his character as a "Garrulous old codger". Just loved that description! Stewart plays the slow burning hero with a few headaches brilliantly. I loved the climactic shootout. Perhaps one of the best ever, where Stewart's famous horse Pie and a bell make a significant contribution.
I have few reservations about this film. It is great entertainment. If you want to be pernickety, I would have to say John MacIntyre was not in the same league of heavies as Arthur Kennedy or Robert Ryan. I also found it hard to see the garrulous old codger shot down in cold blood. No wonder Stewart got mad. I was apoplectic watching. But seriously this is great watching. I hope if you decide to buy this film that you enjoy it as much as I have.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Another great Mann and Stewart Western, with a strong supporting cast and outstanding scenery.
7 Oct 2007
Format:DVD
The FAR COUNTRY (1954) Was the forth and penultimate Western from this director and star pairing of Anthony Mann and James Stewart and without doubt puts them second only to John Ford and John Wayne in making fine Western movies that have stood the test of time for over fifty years. Unlike Ford who almost exclusively returned time after time to Monument valley, Mann picked wonderful new locations for each of his Westerns, this time being the awesome landscape of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The story (as with previous outings) is from a Borden Chase script and has tough cattleman Jeff Webster (James Stewart) and his sidekick Ben Tatum (Walter Brennan) meeting up in 1896 Seattle, hearing of the gold rush Jeff decides to take his cattle to Dawson City en-route he falls foul of no-good Skagway judge, sheriff Gannon (John McItire). Webster finds himself jailed. Gannon releases him but confiscates Jeff's cattle. Jeff agrees to lead a party of eager prospectors up to Dawson with eager support from saloon owner Rhonda Castle (Ruth Roman) and young French Canadian girl Renee Vallon (Connie Calvet) as they near the Canadian border Jeff and Ben slip back one night and steal the cattle back, returning to the border with Gannon and his cronies in hot pursuit, Jeff manages to delay the pursuers long enough to allow everyone to cross the border into Canada.
Delivering the cattle to Dawson and selling them to Rhonda Castle following an auction. Rhonda sets up a saloon along with new arrival Gannon. Meanwhile Jeff and Ben set off to do a little gold mining of their own. Trouble brews as Gannon and his motley band cheat the miners one by one from their claims. The miners and good town folk try to elect Jeff as marshal, but he refuses so local man Rube Morris (J C Flippen) is elected. After a killing in Rhonda's saloon Rude is left facing one of Gannon's hired guns, Jeff suggesting that he backs down to save his life. Rube loses face and resigns, and then follows more claim jumping until only a few are left. Jeff and Ben receive their visit in due course and are ambushed when leaving camp, both are badly shot up and left for dead, Jeff somehow drags himself out of the river recovers Ben's body and heads for town. Renee takes Jeff in and tends his wounds as he vows to get those responsible. After a partial recovery Jeff sets out for the final showdown with Gannon and his men holed up in the saloon.
This Universal DVD release 94 minutes running time has no special extras apart from the original Trailer, which is a pity as all these Mann / Stewart Westerns deserve to be preserved in the best possible way, good value for little money though! Last but not least to look out for in this series is THE MAN FROM LARAMIE (1955).
The story (as with previous outings) is from a Borden Chase script and has tough cattleman Jeff Webster (James Stewart) and his sidekick Ben Tatum (Walter Brennan) meeting up in 1896 Seattle, hearing of the gold rush Jeff decides to take his cattle to Dawson City en-route he falls foul of no-good Skagway judge, sheriff Gannon (John McItire). Webster finds himself jailed. Gannon releases him but confiscates Jeff's cattle. Jeff agrees to lead a party of eager prospectors up to Dawson with eager support from saloon owner Rhonda Castle (Ruth Roman) and young French Canadian girl Renee Vallon (Connie Calvet) as they near the Canadian border Jeff and Ben slip back one night and steal the cattle back, returning to the border with Gannon and his cronies in hot pursuit, Jeff manages to delay the pursuers long enough to allow everyone to cross the border into Canada.
Delivering the cattle to Dawson and selling them to Rhonda Castle following an auction. Rhonda sets up a saloon along with new arrival Gannon. Meanwhile Jeff and Ben set off to do a little gold mining of their own. Trouble brews as Gannon and his motley band cheat the miners one by one from their claims. The miners and good town folk try to elect Jeff as marshal, but he refuses so local man Rube Morris (J C Flippen) is elected. After a killing in Rhonda's saloon Rude is left facing one of Gannon's hired guns, Jeff suggesting that he backs down to save his life. Rube loses face and resigns, and then follows more claim jumping until only a few are left. Jeff and Ben receive their visit in due course and are ambushed when leaving camp, both are badly shot up and left for dead, Jeff somehow drags himself out of the river recovers Ben's body and heads for town. Renee takes Jeff in and tends his wounds as he vows to get those responsible. After a partial recovery Jeff sets out for the final showdown with Gannon and his men holed up in the saloon.
This Universal DVD release 94 minutes running time has no special extras apart from the original Trailer, which is a pity as all these Mann / Stewart Westerns deserve to be preserved in the best possible way, good value for little money though! Last but not least to look out for in this series is THE MAN FROM LARAMIE (1955).
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
James Stewart Western
This was an excellent film and was supplied as described and the service was excellent and at a good price
Published 5 months ago by John
dvd
Bought as a gift. Easy to find on amazon despite it being an old film. Arrived quickly in the post.
Published 5 months ago by ramgib
Is there something you want, Mr. Gannon?
Cunningly interesting Western from a director who had few peers in the genre. Much like other Anthony Mann pictures, The Far Country blends a potent pot boiling story with an... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Spike Owen
"The Far Country (1955) ... Anthony Mann ... Universal Studios (2003)"
Universal Studios presents "THE FAR COUNTRY" (1955) (97 min/Color) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) -- Set in the Yukon, Jeff Webster (James Stewart) and his friends are... Read more
Published 17 months ago by J. Lovins
Better than original
The DVD enhancement of this film is incredible. It's an excellent story, and now with DVD the stuff on location is even better. A must for any Jimmy Stewart Fan.
Published on 15 Feb 2010 by M. C. Miller
Disappointed !
I was expecting this story to be action packed, but the reality was poor acting, poor boring old story, and not the usual higher standard of film we come to expect featuring... Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2010 by LOTTO WIZARD
Good, enjoyable classic.
Good Canadian rockies scenery.
Brennan fantastic as always (rest of cast good)
Film gets better as it goes along so don't be put off by first ten... Read more
Brennan fantastic as always (rest of cast good)
Film gets better as it goes along so don't be put off by first ten... Read more
Published on 23 April 2009 by MrViewer
mr dependable.
yet another great western starring james stewart ,i have not seen him in a poor western and this film is very enjoyable with outstanding scenery ,one for the collection.
Published on 26 Feb 2009 by BUBS.
Dont shoot the "garrulous old codger" if you want to live
Anthony Mann's series of Westerns with James Stewart playing the very human, angst ridden hero have quite rightly been hailed as Western classics by many respected film critics. Read more
Published on 27 Jan 2009 by Bob Salter
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