Best thing about this ok western is the general competence and grit of the ladies that certainly goes against the prevailing chauvinism of the early 50s when this film was made. Also commendable is William Mellor's gritty, dusty, yet at times lovely cinematography that mirrors the miseries and occasional splendor of the trek west. Less good is the standard for the times view of Native Americans as Menacing Others (What? You thought director Wild Bill Wellman would subvert BOTH early 50s sexism AND racism? Good luck with that.) Also, with the exception of Henry Nakamura's Japanese cowboy (anticipating Kurosawa by four years), no one in the cast stands out. Perhaps this is due to the overall blandness of Charles Schnee's dialogue. Certainly expected more from the scribe of "Bad And The Beautiful". Give it a B minus.
Review of Westward the Women
