Watch Guns of the Timberland
- Passed
- 1960
- 1 hr 31 min
-
5.5 (515)
Set in the early 1900s, Guns of the Timberland is a classic Western movie directed by Robert D. Webb and released in 1960. The film stars Alan Ladd as a lumber baron named Jim Hadley, Jeanne Crain as his love interest and Gilbert Roland as the leader of a group of loggers. The film's plot follows the conflict between Hadley and a neighboring community of loggers who are faced with eviction due to their failure to pay their debts to Hadley. The loggers soon turn to violence, prompting Hadley to take up arms to protect his business and the people he cares about.
The film's opening sequence sets the tone for the story. We see rugged mountains and dense forests, with the sound of men working in the background. Soon enough, we are introduced to Jim Hadley, who has arrived in the area to claim timber rights for his lumber company. He is accompanied by his trusted aide and foreman, Jumper (played by Frankie Avalon). As the story progresses, we see that Hadley is a shrewd businessman who is determined to succeed at all costs. He has no qualms about using force to get his way, and we see this in the way he approaches his dealings with the neighboring loggers.
As Hadley begins to exert his authority, the loggers begin to push back against him. They are led by a man named Paul (played by Gilbert Roland), who is fiercely protective of his community and their way of life. Paul and his men refuse to pay their debts to Hadley, which prompts the lumber baron to cut off their supply of water. This results in a standoff, with both sides unwilling to budge.
Amidst all this tension, Hadley finds himself drawn to a local widow named Laura (played by Jeanne Crain). She is a strong-willed woman who is also fiercely independent, and the two of them quickly form a bond. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Laura is also friendly with Paul and the other loggers. This puts her in a difficult position, as she is torn between her loyalty to her community and her growing feelings for Hadley.
As tensions between the two sides come to a head, the film climaxes in a thrilling action sequence. Hadley and his men are pitted against Paul and his loggers, with both sides armed and ready for a fight. The ensuing battle is intense and well-executed, with the film's excellent cinematography capturing the chaos of the moment.
Overall, Guns of the Timberland is a well-made Western that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The film is notable for its strong performances, particularly from Alan Ladd, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a morally complex character. Jeanne Crain is equally impressive as Laura, bringing depth and dimension to a character that could have easily been written off as a typical love interest. Gilbert Roland is also excellent as Paul, portraying a man who is both sympathetic and formidable.
In terms of its visuals, Guns of the Timberland is a feast for the eyes. The film's stunning natural landscapes are captured in breathtaking detail, and the action sequences are well-staged and exciting. The film is also notable for its use of sound, with the sounds of working in the timber industry used to great effect throughout.
All in all, Guns of the Timberland is a classic Western that is well worth watching. It combines thrilling action with strong characters and stunning visuals, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.
Guns of the Timberland is a 1960 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.