Devil's Doorway

Devil's Doorway (1950)

Runtime: 84 minutes

Directed by: Anthony Mann

Starring: Robert Taylor, Louis Calhern, Paula Raymond, Marshall Thompson, James Mitchell

From: MGM

Why this movie isn't better known, I am not sure; it's not great, but it's still something nicely done from a famous director which tries to deliver a message. I explain it all below: 

Yep, this is something else I found out about via a messageboard discussion; before then I had never heard of the movie before, despite it being directed by a famous director in Anthony Mann. As it's only found online in a disc you can order from Warner Archive, I figured I should check it out on Turner Classic Movies.

The plot is something that revolves around social commentary and Lord, such talking points as “discrimination” and “prejudices” ever still relevant in 2016, unfortunately. A Native American returns to his town in the West right after the Civil War ends and despite being honored as a hero for his deeds on the battlefield, that meant nothing back home due to him being “an Injun'”. He experiences a lot of discrimination-the main point of contention is that he cannot legally own a piece of land due to his race-and he steadfastly is against that and isn't much for compromise, so it should be no surprise that there's a wave of trouble about to come and it's on the horizon.

As it's 1950's, the Native American lead is actually played by noted non Native American Robert Taylor and that redface thing is unfortunate. But, I know how things were back then and Taylor was swell in the role so I can't complain too loudly. The cast as a whole I can't complain about when it comes to performances.

As expected, it certainly was well-directed by Mann and things aren't quite black and white. While not a hit at the time, it's gotten more recognition for trying to be mature about such a subject and present it even if the movie is not always an easy watch due to its subject matter and all the horrible things that happen to Lance Poole, the lead character. It is a bold movie for having such a viewpoint (as controversial as race is still now in 2016, think how things were in 1950) and having the heroes be not only a band of Native Americans but also a white female lawyer, all through the expected Western trappings, where there's great Colorado scenery and entertaining action scenes.

It's a shame the movie is still not better known despite it being from a highly respected director. It is effective as a different sort of Western, with a haunting ending.