Passage West (1951)
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Somewhat similar to John Ford's Wagon Master (1950), Passage West deals with a band of religious pioneers, led by a peace-loving minister (Dennis O'Keefe), heading across the desert. Along the trail, the travellers are forced to accompany with six escaped convicts who join the wagon train. The criminals range from basically decent to homicidal, resulting in fluctuating tensions throughout the westward trek. John Payne, one of the more compassionate convicts, is further humanized by his affection for leading lady Arleen Whelan. Passage West was a B-plus production from Paramount's prolific Pine-Thomas unit. The screenplay was cowritten by Nedrick Young, just before his career was retarded by the Hollywood Blacklist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- John Payne - Pete Black
- Arleen Whelan - Rose Billings
- Mary Anderson - Myra Johnson
- Griff Barnett - Papa Ludwig
- Mary Field - Miss Swingate
- Mary Beth Hughes - Nellie
- Lillian Bronson - Mom Brennan
- Susan Whitney - Lea Johnson
- Marjorie Gateson
- Dennis O'Keefe - Jacob Karns
- Frank Faylen - Curly
- Richard Rober - Mike
- Dooley Wilson - Rainbow
- Richard Travis - Ben Johnson
- Arthur Hunnicutt - Pop Brennan
- Ilka Gruning - Mama Ludwig
- Paul Fierro - Ramon
- Peter Hansen - Michael Karns
- Director(s):
- Lewis R. Foster
- Writer(s):
- Lewis R. Foster
- Producer(s):
- William C. Thomas, William Pine
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