3:10 to Yuma

I've liked this movie for a long time. Watching it last night, though, it finally occurred to me to wonder about the character played by Glenn Ford. I don't really understand what motivates him, or his gang.

Some people have commented that the closing scene is unbelievable, but I think that's only true because we never get a fix on Glenn Ford's character. Is he a psychotic killer, or is he a gentleman thief?

The psychotic killer label is supported by his actions in the opening scene of the stage coach robbery. He didn't even try to talk himself out of that situation, even though the driver was one against twelve and couldn't carry out his threat without being gunned down instantly. It's also supported by the fear that his name strikes into the hearts of all the townspeople. A man doesn't generate that kind of fear by simply robbing stage coaches. Obviously, he and his gang have done a lot of killing.

The gentleman thief label is supported by his complete lack of bullying characteristics. In every other situation of the movie except that opening scene, he uses his charm to try to get around people. He doesn't attempt to run roughshod over them. That completely contradicts the image of a guy who shoots first and asks questions later.

As for his gang, they show an extraordinary amount of loyalty to him and each other, which makes the shooting during the stage coach robbery that much more unconvincing. Why would they be loyal to a leader who didn't even try to save one of his own? Maybe that was just an anomaly. Ford tells us later in the movie that his gang will always go to extraordinary lengths to save one of their own, and they do just that to try to free him. Yet, at the end, he chooses to save the life of Van Heflin rather than go with his gang. Okay, so he decided that Van Heflin was a good guy worth saving, even if it did get his second in command killed. I don't mind that. What bothers me is, why is he so confident that, having turned his back on his gang, they are going to try to rescue him again in Yuma??? If I'm in that gang, he's made his choice and he can swing for it.

Wherever possible, I like to see the original version of a film before I see its remake. Set to attend a screening for James Mangold's '3:10 to Yuma (2007)' the following night, I quickly decided to rent Delmer Daves' 1957 original, which was adapted from a short story by Elmore Leonard. Unsurprisingly, given its source, the film's plot is extremely simple, unconcerned with the need for a large cast of characters and complicated story lines. After a fatal gold robbery, infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) is captured in a small town, and a group of honest volunteers agree to transport him to Contention to board the 3:10 train to Yuma Prison. One of these volunteers is Dan Evans (Van Heflin), a poverty-stricken small-time rancher with a thirst to proves his worth to both his wife and two sons. Meanwhile, Wade's loyal gang ride in hot pursuit of their leader, intent on rescuing him and avenging his capture. As the tension mounts, and loading Wade onto the 3:10 train begins to seem impossible, the other volunteers rationally retreat from their task, with only Evans staying true to his word.

It's only recently that I've begun to concern myself with the Western genre, but '3:10 to Yuma' seems an ideal example. The story's brilliance lies in its own inherent simplicity; the interactions between the two main characters form the picture's emotional core, and it's the incredible depth of these interactions that allow the film to rise above its B-movie foundations. In one case, at least, the minimalism of the film's production allows for the perfect atmosphere in the story's climax, as Wade's bandits begin to surround the hotel room in which their leader is being held. Even before the gang rides into town, the streets have become almost completely vacant; Contention has become a ghost town. It seems likely that this was partly a result of the film's low production budget – money spent on extras was probably considered money wasted – but the escalating sense of foreboding created by the chillingly empty streets is perfect, as though, indeed, everybody in town figures that "a storm is blowin' up."

Both Glenn Ford and Van Heflin do a very good job considering the film's straightforward plot, and it is their believable characterisations that prove the picture's greatest asset. At first glance, Ben Wade appears obnoxious, sarcastic and detestable, but reveals more likable trait – and even a streak of nobility – as the film progresses. Likewise, Dan Evans is portrayed as a conservative man {whose logical unwillingness to take risks might easily be misattributed to cowardice}, one who only agrees to escort Wade in order to claim the much-needed $200 reward. However, as the situation continually progresses towards guaranteed disaster, and all the other volunteers back down regretfully, Evans refuses to surrender. In his captor's inflexible perseverance, and unflinching integrity, Wade discovers a man that he himself respects and admires, and the mutual understanding – however tentative – that the two men develop proves crucial in the picture's final moments.

Long before it was re-made, I treasured this modest gem of a western.

From the first notes of its mournful, affecting theme to to the poignant finale it draws you in and keeps you riveted as the tension mounts. It accomplishes this by keeping to the Aristotelian unities: a single theme about a single protagonist on a single day. Yes, there is an obvious parallel to **High Noon**.

Though cast as a villain for the only time in his career, Glen Ford's natural likability shines through in the role of gang boss Ben Wade. Van Heflin's Dan Evans is Everyman--no hero but spurred to heroism by desperate circumstances and devotion to family. In contrast to Heflin's homeliness is the godlike physical perfection of the young Richard Jaeckel as the outlaw gang's second-in-command, smart, dangerous, utterly amoral yet loyal unto death to his boss.

There is not a bad performance anywhere. But I must single out Felicia Farr as the lonely barmaid who gives Ford a last, quick good time, and craggy-faced Ford Rainey as a town Marshal with a plan.

With its mix of deep focus shots and closeups of the actors' faces, the cinematography was the obvious inspiration to Sergio Leone in his spaghetti western series.

When the charming outlaw Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) is captured after the heist of a stagecoach, the stage line owner Mr. Butterfield (Robert Emhardt) offers US$ 200,00 to the man that escorts the bandit to the city of Contention to take the 3:10 PM train to Yuma to be sent to trial. The rancher Dan Evans (Van Heflin) is broken and needs the money to save his cattle and support his family and accepts the assignment. During their journey, Dan saves the life of Ben when a vigilante tries to execute the criminal. Meanwhile Ben's gang split to find where Ben is and then rescues their boss. When they find that Ben is trapped in a hotel room, they put the place under siege and Dan can not find any man to help him.

"3:10 to Yuma" is a classic western from a wonderful time when honor was an important value in a film and even outlaws could have a code of honor. In the present days, it would be hard to believe why Dan Evans is incorruptible and does not accept Ben's bribe. Glenn Ford performs a charismatic outlaw and the moral duel with Van Heflin's character is fantastic. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Galante e Sanguinário" ("Gallant and Bloodthirsty")

Christian Bale and Russell Crowe are going to have to perform feats of magic to beat this film. There is no doubt that they have picked one of the toughest westerns to beat in their remake.

There is shooting, but this is not a shoot-'em-up western. It is a thoughtful game of chess between a ruthless outlaw (Glenn Ford) and a farmer (Van Heflin). To see Ford, who we lost last year, try to buy Helflin (Johnny Eager, Shane), and see Heflin grow in courage was magnificent.

Every one else fades as these two play their game. The ending was terrific. I am anxious to see if they change it.