Red Skies of Montana
Red Skies of Montana

Red Skies of Montana

1952Movie99 minEnglish

When a large forest fire breaks out in the mountains of Montana, a squad of 'Smoke Jumpers', the paratroop-corps of fire-fighters in the U. S. Forest Service, is flown to the scene from their regional headquarters in Missoula, Montana. The Forest Rangers, under Cliff Mason, put out the blaze, but several of the fire-fighters are killed. Ed Miller, son of one of the dead rangers, thinks he died because Mason was a coward, and sets out to prove it.

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IMDb6.2/10
Director: Joseph M. NewmanGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

A dramatic Western that follows a group of U.S. Forest Service smokejumpers battling a massive wildfire in the Montana wilderness. Tensions rise between the men as they face the destructive force of nature and personal conflicts, particularly between a hardened veteran and a younger, ambitious recruit, all while trying to save lives and livelihoods.

Critical Reception

While "Red Skies of Montana" received a generally positive reception for its thrilling action sequences and the strong performances of its cast, it is often noted for its somewhat predictable plot. Critics praised its realistic portrayal of firefighting and the inherent dangers involved, though some found the melodrama to be a bit heavy-handed at times. The film is considered a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, entry in the Western genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its exciting wildfire sequences and depiction of smokejumper heroism.
  • Acknowledged for strong performances, especially from Richard Widmark.
  • Some noted a conventional plot and dramatic elements that felt overdone.

Google audience: Audience reviews are limited, but generally highlight the film's suspenseful action and historical glimpse into firefighting techniques. Some viewers found the story engaging, while others felt it was a straightforward Western narrative.

Fun Fact

Marilyn Monroe's role in this film, though relatively small, was one of her earlier credited appearances and helped establish her presence in Hollywood before her major breakthroughs.

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