The Hanging Tree

Watch The Hanging Tree

"From The Prize Novel -- A Picture Of Thundering Power!"
  • NR
  • 1959
  • 1 hr 47 min
  • 7.1  (4,620)

The Hanging Tree is a 1959 Western film directed by Delmer Daves and starring Gary Cooper, Maria Schell, and Karl Malden. The movie is set in the late 1800s in a small mining town in Montana. Gary Cooper plays the character of Dr. Joseph Frail, a skilled doctor and miner who arrives in the town of Skull Creek with a questionable past. The town is filled with rough and tough miners who are constantly in search of gold. Dr. Frail sets up his medical practice and becomes a respected member of the community. He crosses paths with a young Swiss immigrant named Elizabeth Mahler, played by Maria Schell, who has recently arrived in Skull Creek to start a new life.

The film explores the relationship between Dr. Frail and Elizabeth. Dr. Frail becomes a father figure to Elizabeth, who is struggling to find her place in the new world. Elizabeth has a dark past of her own, and Dr. Frail tries to help her overcome her fears and anxieties.

As the story unfolds, a young man named Rune, played by Ben Piazza, arrives in Skull Creek. Rune is injured and Dr. Frail saves his life. Rune is on the run from the law and has stolen gold. Dr. Frail knows this but decides to keep it a secret. Soon after, Rune becomes popular with the miners and starts courting a girl named Frenchy, played by Karen Steele.

The town sheriff, played by Karl Malden, is suspicious of Rune and starts investigating him. He discovers that Rune has a criminal past and tries to arrest him. Dr. Frail tries his best to protect Rune and Elizabeth, but things take a tragic turn when Rune is killed in a shootout with the sheriff.

The Hanging Tree is a captivating film that explores themes of love, redemption, and morality. The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning landscapes of Montana's countryside. The performances of the actors are impeccable, with Gary Cooper dominating every scene he is in. Maria Schell delivers a heartfelt performance as Elizabeth, and Karl Malden is convincing as the tough and uncompromising sheriff.

The Hanging Tree features an original score by Max Steiner, which adds to the film's emotional depth. The film is a slow burner, but it gradually builds up tension and culminates in a thrilling climax.

Overall, The Hanging Tree is a classic Western that deserves to be seen. It is a film that will appeal to fans of the genre and those who enjoy character-driven stories. It showcases the talents of one of Hollywood's greatest actors, Gary Cooper, and delivers a powerful message about humanity's capacity for compassion and forgiveness.

The Hanging Tree is a 1959 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.

The Hanging Tree
Description
Where to Watch The Hanging Tree
The Hanging Tree is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent The Hanging Tree for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1959
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 47 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (4,620)