River of No Return (4 Stars)

"River of No Return" is a western made in 1954, starring Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe. The film is set in 1875 in the Northwest of America, probably Idaho. Robert Mitchum plays Matt Calder, a man who's spent eight years in prison for murder. The relatively small sentence is probably because he shot the man to protect his friend, but he shot the man in the back, which has given him a bad reputation among gunfighters. Matt defends his action by saying that if you kill a snake it doesn't matter whether you can see his face or not. Maybe the man he killed was a better gunfighter, so Matt killed him the only way he could.

The area has been caught up by gold fever, but Matt has no intention of becoming rich. He's a simple man who wants to live as a farmer. His first action after coming out of prison is to build himself a home. Then he goes to look for his nine-year-old son Mark that he hasn't seen since he was a baby. Mark is currently in the care of a saloon singer called Kay, who is glad to give Mark back because she's planning to marry a gambler, Harry Weston.

Matt takes his son back to his farm, while Harry and Kay travel to Council City by raft to file the deed on a gold mine he's won. The river passes Matt's farm, and Matt has to rescue Harry and Kay from the rapids. Harry shows his gratitude by stealing Matt's horse and rifle at gunpoint, so that he and Kay can continue their journey by land. Kay says she'll remain with Matt to help him because of his injuries. Harry agrees, saying he can travel faster without her.

After Harry's departure the other three can't stay at the farm for long. Indians attack, and Matt has no weapon to defend his home. He tells Mark and Kay to join him on the raft. He's also out for revenge. He says that stealing a man's horse is an offence punishable by hanging – was that true in 1875? – so he won't be punished if he shoots Harry.

The majority of the film shows the river trip and the difficulties with strong currents and Indian attackers. The journey lasts a few days. I wasn't counting, but I think it was three days. Matt is a perfect gentleman for most of the journey, respecting Kay because she's engaged to another man. Kay still loves Harry and tries to persuade Matt to forgive him. I was growing to like Matt as a character until he finally snapped and forced Kay to the ground, kissing her against her will. I know Marilyn Monroe is beautiful, but that's no excuse! When a woman says No she means No. He would have gone further if they hadn't been interrupted by a mountain lion.

I think I can allow myself spoilers when writing about films 60 years old. I want to write about something poignant in the story.

Mark is initially disappointed with his father when he finds out that he shot someone in the back. In the final showdown Mark learns the harsh realities of life. Matt is lying on the ground and Harry is about to shoot him, so Mark shoots Harry in the back.

I've heard Marilyn Monroe sing in a few films, but I didn't know she could play the guitar as well. She sings a few songs in the film, first in a saloon, then in a farm, then by the side of the river on the journey.

I've always liked Robert Mitchum as an actor. I ought to watch more of his films. So many films, so little time. Marilyn Monroe's performance is perfect, as always. This is a simple but enjoyable film.

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