Watch Westward the Women

Westward the Women is a classic western film from 1951 that tells the story of a group of women who embark on a treacherous journey to California in the mid-19th century. Directed by William A. Wellman, the movie stars Robert Taylor, Denise Darcel, and Hope Emerson in lead roles. The movie opens with Buck Wyatt (Robert Taylor), a trail guide in a small Western town, receiving a proposal from Roy Whitman, a wealthy cattleman from California. The proposal is simple: Whitman wants to marry a large number of women from the East Coast to bring as brides to California to help ease the male-to-female ratio disparity in the state. Wyatt agrees to take on the dangerous mission of leading the women across the treacherous terrain of the American West.

The group of women, who come from various backgrounds— some are dancers, others are teachers, and a few are prostitutes— realize they are in for a difficult journey as they leave the comforts of their homes on the East Coast and head out to California. Most of the women are not strong enough to walk alongside the cattle and wagons, so they are put in wagons driven by the men.

Westward the Women carefully explores the relationships between the women and the men on the trip. The women are initially uncomfortable around the men, as many have been scarred by past experiences with men. However, as the journey continues, they all start to bond, and relationships start to develop between them and the men.

Throughout the trip, the group faces plenty of challenges that test their will and resilience. They must cross the treacherous Rockies, and as they get closer to California, they face hostile Indian tribes who are not happy that the women are coming to their territories. The women quickly learn how to shoot and defend themselves, and the teamwork they develop is remarkable.

The acting in Westward the Women is simply outstanding. Robert Taylor's portrayal of Buck Wyatt is exceptional, and he brings a lot of heart to the character. His chemistry with Denise Darcel is palpable, and her performance as French prostitute Fifi Danon is one of her best. Hope Emerson, who plays the tough wagon driver, is also noteworthy. Her character has the audience rooting for her every time she gets into a verbal or physical altercation with one of the men!

The movie is beautifully shot and captures the majesty and perils of the American West. The color cinematography is a highlight, and the panoramic shots of the Rocky Mountains and the sunsets are breathtaking.

At its core, Westward the Women is a movie about the human spirit and its resilience. The film's message is that we are stronger together than when we are apart, and this is reinforced in several moments throughout the movie. The women's strength and bravery are celebrated and honored. The film also highlights the importance of respecting different cultures and lifestyles.

Overall, Westward the Women is a gripping, inspiring, and moving movie that will leave audiences cheering for the underdogs. The film is a classic, and every western film lover should watch it.

Westward the Women is a 1951 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.