Watch Texas
- Passed
- 1941
- 1 hr 34 min
-
6.7 (1,446)
Texas is a 1941 American Western film directed by George Marshall and starring William Holden, Glenn Ford, and Claire Trevor. The film is set in the late 1800s and follows the story of two friends, Dan Thomas (Holden) and Tod Ramsey (Ford), who are cattle ranchers in Texas. The two men have opposite personalities, with Dan being serious and responsible, while Tod is more carefree and impulsive. Despite their differences, the men are best friends and their loyalty to each other is put to the test when they both fall in love with the same woman.
The woman in question is a saloon singer named Mike King (Trevor), who becomes the object of Dan and Tod's affections. Mike is tough and independent, and she's not interested in settling down with either man. However, as the film progresses and the tensions between the two friends grow, she finds herself drawn to Dan's stability and dependability.
As the story unfolds, Dan and Tod's friendship is tested in a number of ways. They face conflict from outside forces, including rival cattle rustlers and corrupt law enforcement. Additionally, their own personal values and goals begin to diverge, and each man struggles to reconcile his duty to the other with his own needs and desires.
What sets Texas apart from other Western films of its time is its focus on character development and the complexities of human relationships. While there is plenty of action and shootouts, the heart of the story lies in the evolving dynamics between the three main characters. Holden, Ford, and Trevor all deliver strong performances, imbuing their characters with depth and nuance.
In particular, Holden's portrayal of Dan is noteworthy for its restraint and understated power. Dan is a man of few words, but Holden conveys a great deal through his subtle expressions and body language. As the film progresses, we see Dan wrestle with his feelings for Mike and his loyalty to Tod, and Holden's performance captures the internal conflict beautifully.
For his part, Ford brings plenty of charm and wit to the role of Tod. While Tod is initially presented as a bit of a goofball, Ford gradually reveals the character's underlying intelligence and resourcefulness. He's a foil for Dan, and the two men's differing views on life provide the film with much of its tension.
Trevor is excellent as Mike, bringing a toughness and tenacity to the character that sets her apart from other Western heroines of the time. She's not a damsel in distress, but rather a woman who's always in control of her own destiny. Trevor and Holden have a palpable chemistry, and the scene where they finally confess their feelings for each other is a standout moment in the film.
Overall, Texas is a classic Western that transcends the genre. It's a story about friendship, love, and loyalty, told with nuance and sensitivity. Holden, Ford, and Trevor all deliver strong performances, and Marshall's direction keeps the action moving at a brisk pace. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other Westerns of its time, Texas deserves to be recognized as a gem of the genre.
Texas is a 1941 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.