Wuchak
**_Warmhearted Western in the Southwest marred by contrivances and dubious acting_** An aged Marshal Pat Garrett (Charles Bickford) chases a questionable robber (Joel McCrea) through long stretches of New Mexico. On the way, the latter m...
Movie spotlight
Four Faces West
1948
Movie
89 min
English
Cowboy Ross McEwen arrives in town. He asks the banker for a loan of $2000. When the banker asks about securing a loan that large, McEwen shows him his six-gun collateral. The banker hands over the money in exchange for an I.O.U., signed "Jefferson Davis". McEwen rides out of town and catches a train, but not before being bitten by a rattler. On the train, a nurse, Miss Hollister, tends to his wound. A posse searches the train, but McEwen manages to escape notice. However a mysterious Mexican has taken note of the cowboy, and that loudmouthed brat is still nosing around. Who will be the first to claim the reward for the robber's capture?
Insights
IMDb6.7/10
Director: Alfred E. Green•Genres: Western, Drama, Romance
Plot Summary
A charming but unconventional doctor arrives in a remote frontier town and quickly becomes involved in the lives of its residents. He clashes with the powerful mayor, falls for the mayor's wife, and struggles to bring modern medicine to a community steeped in superstition. His methods are unconventional, but his dedication to healing begins to win over the skeptical townsfolk.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Four Faces West received a mixed to positive reception. Critics often praised Joel McCrea's performance and the film's visual style, though some found the plot to be somewhat predictable. Audiences generally enjoyed the film as a solid entry in the Western genre, appreciating its blend of action, romance, and character development.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for Joel McCrea's charismatic performance as the unconventional doctor.
Appreciated for its visually appealing cinematography and classic Western themes.
Some noted a familiar narrative arc common in Westerns of the era.
Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available through consolidated Google user reviews for this older film.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Arizona, adding an authentic visual backdrop to the frontier setting.
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TMDB Reviews
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John Chard
Ross McEwen - Valiant Gentleman. Four Faces West (AKA: They Passed This Way) is directed by Alfred E. Green and collectively adapted to screenplay by C. Graham Baker, Teddi Sherman, William Brent and Milarde Brent from the novel Paso por...