NR | 2h 2m | Western | 1955
Raoul Walsh’s “The Tall Men” is a sweeping frontier adventure that embraces the classic elements of the western genre; the film delivers an engaging and visually striking experience that also transcends the genre. Expansive landscapes and strong performances from Clark Gable, Robert Ryan, and Jane Russell tell a familiar yet fascinating story of resilience and ambition.
In 1866, with the Civil War behind them, Texan brothers Ben (Clark Gable) and Clint Allison (Cameron Mitchell) set out in search of a new beginning. With their home in ruins and few prospects left, they head north to Montana, lured by the promise of wealth in the thriving gold rush.
One bitterly cold night in Texas, in desperate need of warmth and shelter, they arrive in a bustling frontier town. In a rowdy saloon, they spot wealthy businessman Nathan Stark (Robert Ryan) preparing to leave with a money belt full of cash. The brothers plan to rob him and let him go the next day. They instead strike a deal with Stark; he convinces them to join him on a high-risk, yet highly profitable, cattle drive from Texas to Montana.
Differences
Ben’s grit and determination stand in stark contrast to Stark’s more cautious and calculating nature. The two men are constantly at odds. Stark pushes for caution, while Ben’s bold, risk-taking nature drives him to charge ahead despite dangers.As their journey progresses, Ben begins to see Stark not as a rival, but as a man who embodies the very ambition he himself once sought but has since abandoned. Stark dreams of controlling Montana. His political aspirations are a constant reminder to Ben that the world is rapidly changing, and that the frontier is no longer a place for men like him to find peace.
Ben and Nella share moments of intimacy, like removing each other’s boots in the shared space of the cabin and their connection grows stronger.
Walsh directs with exceptional skill, bringing the Western landscape to life with breathtaking visuals. His sweeping shots of people crossing vast plains and navigating treacherous mountain terrain evoke a sense of scale and grandeur.
Great Portrayals
Russell’s portrayal of Nella expands beyond her usual bombshell image, skillfully embodying a conflicted woman dealing with her desires and moral struggles. Her inner journey is as engaging as the physical challenges of the cattle drive. Nella’s songs, which serve as a kind of chorus throughout the film, reflect all of this inner turmoil.Gable excels as Ben, portraying a man who has faced hardship but still holds on to the hope of a simpler life.
Ryan’s Stark contrasts perfectly with Gable’s Ben, playing a man whose ambition and self-interest are in constant conflict with his growing respect for Ben’s straightforward character. Their performances create a powerful narrative about the personal costs of ambition, loyalty, and love.
This standout western contains some familiar tropes, such as saloons, Indians, and settlers. But the film transcends these elements by focusing on the complexity of its characters.
“The Tall Men” ultimately serves as a portrait of the transformation of the American frontier; the old ways of rugged individualism and simplicity are increasingly replaced by power struggles, political ambition, and the lure of wealth.
The relationship between Ben and Nella, with all its conflicts and passions, mirrors the changing landscape of the West itself. This is a place where dreams collide and where the cost of holding on to one’s values is often greater than expected.
The film is a richly crafted, character-driven western that offers more than just action and adventure. It’s a story of personal growth, sacrifice, and the difficult choices that define a person’s legacy. With a strong cast, deft direction, and timeless themes, it remains a notable film within the western genre.
