Watch Three Faces West
- NR
- 1940
- 1 hr 18 min
-
6.1 (994)
Three Faces West is a thrilling Western drama directed by Bernard Vorhaus and released in 1940. The movie stars John Wayne, Sigrid Gurie, and Charles Coburn. The film relates the story of a group of people who are forced to migrate from the East to the West during the Great Depression. The movie has been praised for its strong performances, action sequences, and touching storyline.
The plot of Three Faces West revolves around a talented surgeon named Dr. Beth, played by Sigrid Gurie. Dr. Beth is married to a famous musician but is also known for her philanthropic work. When the Depression strikes, Dr. Beth's husband dies, leaving her alone with their daughter. In search of a better life, Dr. Beth decides to move from the East Coast to Oregon, where she has heard that there are new opportunities and better living conditions.
On their way to Oregon, Dr. Beth and her daughter encounter the rugged and handsome John Phillips, played by John Wayne. Phillips, a fearless and compassionate rancher, helps them cross a river on their way to Oregon. He is immediately drawn to Dr. Beth's beauty and intelligence, and the two start falling in love. However, their burgeoning romance is threatened by the challenges they face on their journey.
As the group travels, they witness the destructive impact of the Dust Bowl and economic devastation caused by the Depression. Along the way, John's friend and fellow rancher, Geoffrey Carter, played by Charles Coburn, provides them shelter and assistance. Carter is an influential man with a great heart, who is also struggling to maintain his sheep farm with the value of wool reduced drastically amid the economic crisis. He joins the group in their journey and provides refuge to many other families and farmers along the way.
Together, the group of pioneers encounters various obstacles, including the dangerous terrain, harsh climate, and hostile townspeople. The film takes us through several exciting action scenes such as shootouts, stampedes, and other dramatic moments.
One of the noteworthy aspects of Three Faces West is its focus on the struggles and tragedies of the Great Depression experienced by ordinary people. The movie illustrates how poverty, homelessness, and famine force people to abandon everything they have and move to unknown territories in search of better lives. The movie also highlights how farmers and ranchers suffered harassment and mistreatment from opportunistic landowners.
The characters in Three Faces West are remarkable for their dedication, courage, and resourcefulness. John Wayne's character, John Phillips, embodies the spirit of the West with his passion for protecting his land and community. Sigrid Gurie's Dr. Beth is a strong and intelligent woman who is fiercely determined to provide for her family. Charles Coburn's Geoffrey Carter is a wise and compassionate figure who provides guidance and support to those around him.
Overall, Three Faces West is an engaging and inspiring movie that captures the spirit of the American West during a difficult and turbulent time. The film provides an insight into the challenges faced by people who lived through the Depressions and how they found the strength to persevere. With stunning cinematography, captivating performances, and a compelling storyline, Three Faces West is a Western film that continues to captivate and entertain the audiences today.
Three Faces West is a 1940 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.