The Warner Archive January 23, 2018 Blu-ray release of the 1959 drama "The Hanging Tree" illustrates one of the top 10 Archive attributes; this release and other film and television Westerns in the Archive catalog show that this genre has far more depth than saloon fights and cattle stampedes. The broader lesson is to not rule out any category of film until you watch at least one from it.
The Western vibe is particularly strong in the opening scenes in which stranger Dr. Joseph Frail (Gary Cooper in his last starring role in a Western) rides into 1870s Montana gold camp Skull Creek and engages in an abbreviated negotiation for a cabin; his rejection of an offer to buy a woman for $5 but soon turning attempted thief Rune (Ben Piazza) into his indentured house boy is open to interpretation.
An early indication of drama is when Frail violently responds when a townsfolk who knows the past of that medical practitioner makes a derisive comment regarding an incident; we also learn early on that Frail is an expert marksman and plays poker well.
Other locals include unstable miner Frenchy Plante (Karl Malden) and faith healer/preacher/alcoholic George Grubb (George C. Scott in his first film role).
Western style romance enters the picture when Frail provides Swiss immigrant/stagecoach accident victim Elizabeth Mahler (Maria Schell) long-tern care. The threats during this convalescence include the risk of Frenchy taking the virtue of Elizabeth and the proper women of the community robbing Frail of his not-so-bad name.
A cute scene in which Elizabeth rids through town telling everyone whom she sees her name creates hope of her adding "You killed my father. Prepare to die."
The saga continues with Elizabeth and Rune striking out on their own with hopes of finding a literal gold mine. A "Great Expectations" element enters the picture via Elizabeth having a secret benefactor and reacting strongly on learning the identity of that angel.
This portion of the film further provides a maturity test; the extent to which a viewer finds repeated references to a glory hole humorous determines the extent to which he or she has the mentality of a 12 year-old boy.
Although the titular execution spot literally and figuratively remains in the background throughout much of the film, it becomes the main arena of action during the climax that is a perfect example of mob mentality. These events additionally include a cynical message regarding crime and punishment as well as ill will toward your fellow man and woman.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Tree" is strongly encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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