Union Pacific
Directed by Cecil B. DeMille
Written by Walter de Leon, C. Gardner Sullivan, Jesse Lasky et al
1939/USA
Paramount Pictures
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Monahan: That Jeff Butler doesn’t have all his brains in his holster.[/box]
As the Civil War draws to a close, Congress approves a transcontinental railroad. A corrupt banker decides to bet against the Union Pacific being able to connect with the Central Pacific Railroad starting in California before the line reaches Ogden, Utah. As insurance, he hires gambling hall operator Sid Campeau (Brian Donlevy) to keep the Union Pacific workers drunk and unproductive. Campeau is assisted by Dick Allen (Robert Preston). The railroad counters by hiring troubleshooter Jeff Butler (Joel McCrea).
At first, things appear rosy between Dick and Jeff as they were comrades in the army and Jeff saved Dick’s life during the war. Soon, however, they are vying for the affections of Molly Monahan (Barbara Stanwyck), who with her father is delivering mail and operating the telegraph along the line. The story proceeds to follow the love triangle and Jeff’s efforts to thwart the many dirty tricks played by Campeau’s men. The ending of the railroad story is told by history.
I love Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea and they and the other performers ensure that this, if a bit over-long, is entertaining. Stanwyck’s Irish brogue is actually not too bad, although I doubt if it would convince an Irishman. The FX with the trains are good. I went in with some trepidation but I vastly preferred this to DeMille’s Roman and Biblical epics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfGyU2a59fc
Re-release trailer
