Western Union

Watch Western Union

"A 20th Century-Fox Encore Hit !"
  • NR
  • 1941
  • 1 hr 35 min
  • 6.7  (3,219)

Western Union is a classic Western movie filmed in 1941 and directed by Fritz Lang. The film, which is set in the days of the American Old West, tells the story of a former outlaw named Vance Shaw (played by Randolph Scott) who is now working as a telegraph man for Western Union, thereby trying to make amends for his past actions. The movie opens with Vance Shaw arriving in Omaha, Nebraska, the headquarters of the Western Union, to apply for a job as a telegraph operator. Shaw is initially turned down because of his criminal record, but he is determined to turn his life around and eventually convinces the Western Union executives to give him a chance.

Once Shaw is hired, he is sent to a remote telegraph station in the wilderness of Wyoming, where he is tasked with repairing the telegraph lines and keeping them operational. Accompanying him is a young and inexperienced telegraph operator named Richard Blake (played by Robert Young), who sees the job as a chance to prove himself to his stern father, a prominent businessman who disapproves of his son's career choice.

As Shaw and Blake set out on their journey, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a group of Native Americans, a band of outlaws led by the ruthless Jeff Harder (played by Barton MacLane), and a beautiful but mysterious woman named Sue Creighton (played by Virginia Gilmore), who seems to have ties to both Shaw and Harder.

As they work to repair the damaged telegraph lines, Shaw and Blake begin to bond and become close friends, with Shaw imparting his knowledge of the frontier and the dangers of life in the West to the naïve Blake. However, their peaceful existence is soon disrupted by the arrival of Harder and his gang, who are intent on robbing the Western Union office and destroying the telegraph lines.

The final act of the movie is a tense and action-packed showdown between Shaw and Harder, with Blake caught in the middle. The outcome of the battle will determine not just the fate of the telegraph lines, but also the future of the American West itself.

Throughout the movie, Lang masterfully captures the rugged beauty of the American West, with stunning vistas and awe-inspiring landscapes. The film also boasts a top-notch cast, with Scott delivering a strong performance as the conflicted hero Shaw and Young providing able support as the wide-eyed Blake. Dean Jagger is also notable in a supporting role as the stern but fair Western Union executive who hires Shaw.

Overall, Western Union is a must-see for any fan of classic Westerns, blending action, adventure, romance, and drama into a satisfying and entertaining package. With its engaging characters, thrilling action sequences, and stunning scenery, the movie remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences over 80 years after its initial release.

Western Union is a 1941 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.

Western Union
Description
Where to Watch Western Union
Western Union is available to watch free on Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Western Union for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1941
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 35 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (3,219)