Summary
- Michael Curtiz directed
Dodge City
, a classic Western praised for its daring cinematography & timeless plot. - Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland starred in the successful film, with Flynn fully embracing Westerns after its success.
- Dodge City
remains a masterpiece of classic Westerns, with unique use of composition, color, and a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the golden age of cinema, I must say that Michael Curtiz’s masterpiece, “Dodge City,” stands tall among the classics. Having had the privilege to witness Errol Flynn’s career blossom from his swashbuckling adventures to this Western gem, I can attest to the transformative power of this film on both the screen and the silver screen.
As a passionate gamer, I can relate to the prolific work of American-Hungarian director Michael Curtiz. Spanning over five decades from the ’10s to the ’60s, he experimented with everything from silent films to talkies and eventually color movies, directing an impressive 178 films in total. Not all can be considered masterpieces, but some truly stand out, such as Casablanca (1942), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), or Mildred Pierce (1945). However, there’s one lesser-known gem by the director that deserves a mention – the 1939 film, Dodge City.
Director Curtiz often teamed up with charismatic Errol Flynn and timeless actress Olivia de Havilland. Together, they brought to life the characters in the Western film “Dodge City“, where Texas cowboy Wade Hatton (Flynn) guides a group of Eastern settlers, which included the lovely Abbie Irving (de Havilland) and her disorderly, heavy-drinking brother. Upon their arrival in Dodge City, he witnesses widespread lawlessness and chooses to serve as the city’s unofficial enforcer of justice.
The Classic Cowboy-Become-Sheriff Western Plot
Reflecting on over a century of cinematic storytelling, I must admit that the narrative of Dodge City feels somewhat familiar. Back then, my character, along with Colonel Dodge (Henry O’Neill), played a pivotal role in bringing the railroad to Dodge City, Kansas. Fast forward some years, and the city had transformed into a haven for ne’er-do-wells; crooks, thieves, and outlaws ran rampant. Particularly, a notorious gang led by Jeff Surrett (Bruce Cabot) held sway over the city. Coincidentally, I found myself guiding settlers from the Eastern seaboard to the Wild West, passing through this very lawless Dodge City.
Observing the condition of the town left Wade deeply saddened. Despite being asked by legitimate townsfolk to serve as sheriff, he initially declined. However, when a young boy was murdered by one of Surrett’s men, Wade felt compelled to act. He took justice into his own hands and resolved to eliminate crime within the city. Rusty (Alan Hale) and Tex (Guinn “Big Boy” Williams), his friends, offered him support throughout this ordeal, as did a local reporter named Joe Clemens (Frank McHugh).
Simultaneously, Wade forms a bond with Abbie, a young woman from the convoy who is also the niece of someone from Dodge City. Although their love story isn’t heavily emphasized in the narrative and doesn’t receive extensive screen time, it’s clear that this relationship serves as a significant driving force for Wade.
Dodge City Is One of the Most Successful Westerns of All Times
Initially apprehensive about his first Western film, Flynn fretted over its potential reception and impact on his career. Yet, to his relief, Dodge City proved a resounding success from the outset. This newfound success convinced Flynn to wholeheartedly adopt Westerns as a genre, leading him to produce numerous other successful Western films. Earning $2.532 million globally, it became Warner Brothers’ highest-grossing movie of 1939 (the year that saw the release of Kid Nightingale and Invisible Stripes) – until the acquisition of The Wizard of Oz in the late 1990s.
Ever since then, I’ve held “Dodge City” in high regard as the quintessential Western film. Flynn’s portrayal was lauded, as he breathed life into a character brimming with values and courage, always seeking justice wherever he roamed. He had an amazing screen presence alongside de Havilland, playing the soft-spoken yet resilient Abbie. The storyline is bold in its dramatic tension and suspense, bucking the trend of many Westerns that opt for safer, more predictable narratives. When it comes to character deaths, there’s no holding back; the film is unpredictable. Lastly, Curtis’s innovative use of framing and colors adds a layer of artistry that makes “Dodge City” a true masterpiece.
Daring Cinematography in a Large Production
Although working within the traditional aspect ratio of 1.375:1, which emphasizes characters over backgrounds, Curtiz chose to fill the entire frame with action. Scenes frequently feature extras moving in the backdrop, and long shots are employed instead of close-ups to capture the entire setting. In the saloon brawl scene, for instance, aerial views were used to depict multiple events concurrently – a less common practice during that period. This required extensive preparation to coordinate fights, position everyone and everything appropriately… and likely numerous takes.
In addition to skillfully manipulating the aspect ratio, Curtiz showed remarkable talent in utilizing color during the early stages of Technicolor filmmaking. From the outset, the movie immerses viewers in hues of yellow and brown, reflecting the desert, caravans, horses, and characters’ wardrobes. As key figures emerge within the narrative, their associated colors shift. For instance, Abbie adopts diverse patterns of plaid, while Wade dons vibrant, solid-colored shirts – blue, red, and purple – and sports a notably large hat, symbolizing his dominant persona.
In the realm of timeless Western movies, none surpasses the artistry of Dodge City. Every aspect, from its collaboration among notable figures in the industry to the intricate development of a classic cowboy tale, was meticulously crafted. The film is rich with details that require multiple viewings to fully appreciate. Earning a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, this accolade was undeniably well-deserved. Today, you can enjoy Dodge City at your convenience as it’s now available for streaming online on Tubi.
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2024-08-02 02:31