Movie spotlight
Raton Pass is a curious western based on the rules of Community Property. Dennis Morgan and Patricia Neal portray a recently married husband and wife, each of whom owns half of a huge cattle ranch. Neal is a tad more ambitious than her husband, and with the help of a little legal chicanery she tries to obtain Morgan's half of the spread. He balks, so she hires a few gunslingers to press the issue. In a 1951 western, the greedy party usually came to a sorry end; Raton Pass adheres strictly to tradition.
In the post-Civil War era, ambitious rancher "Gentleman" Jeff Clanton attempts to secure control of Raton Pass in New Mexico. He clashes with the determined owner of a stagecoach line, who is backed by the railroad. Clanton employs ruthless tactics to achieve his goals, leading to conflict and shifting alliances.
Raton Pass is a B-movie Western that received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. While it features a competent cast and some standard Western elements, it was generally criticized for its predictable plot and uninspired direction. It is not considered a standout film in the genre.
A formulaic Western with little originality.
The performances are adequate but cannot elevate the weak screenplay.
Lacks the excitement and depth of more memorable Westerns.
Google audience: Information on specific audience reception and detailed reviews from Google users for Raton Pass is not readily available.
Patricia Neal, who plays the strong-willed station owner, was a talented actress who later won an Academy Award for her role in 'Hud' (1963).
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
Thou shall not pass this pass! Raton Pass is directed by Edwin L. Marin and written by Thomas W. Blackburn and James R. Webb. It stars Dennis Morgan, Patricia Neal, Steve Cochran, Scott Forbes and Dorothy Hart. Music is by Max Steiner an...