The Far Country

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The Far Country

Directed by	Anthony Mann
Produced by	Aaron Rosenberg
Written by	Borden Chase
Starring	James Stewart Ruth Roman Walter Brennan
Music by	Milton Rosen Henry Mancini Hans J. Salter
Cinematography	William H. Daniels
Editing by	Russell F. Schoengarth
Distributed by	Universal Pictures
Release date(s)	February 12, 1955
Running time	97 min.
Language	English
IMDb profile

The Far Country is a 1955 American western movie directed by Anthony Mann and starring James Stewart in their fifth and final collaboration.

[edit] Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Jeff Webster (James Stewart) hears of the Klondike gold rush and he and friend Ben Tatum (Walter Brennan) decide to drive a herd of cattle to Dawson City. On the way, he annoys self-appointed Skagway sheriff Gannon (John McIntire) by interrupting a hanging, so the "lawman" confiscates his herd. Jeff and Ben steal the animals back and take off with Gannon and his men in hot pursuit. After crossing the border into Canada, Jeff uses a few well-placed warning shots to persuade Gannon's gang to give up the chase, but the sheriff promises a hot reception when Jeff returns.

When Jeff gets to Dawson, he finds widespread (though relatively peaceful) lawlessness, and ignores it as none of his business. He auctions off his herd to new arrival Ronda Castle (Ruth Roman), one of Gannon's business associates, when she outbids Hominy (Conny Gilchrist), Grits (Kathleen Freeman) and Molasses (Connie Van), co-owners of the local hash house. Both Ronda and French-Canadian gamine Connie Calvet (Renee Vallon) are strongly attracted to Jeff.

Ronda sets up a saloon (in partnership with Gannon) and begins cheating the miners out of their claims. Gannon and his gunmen show up to grab their share (and then some), making Dawson much more dangerous. Eventually, there is a showdown between the fed-up, longtime residents and the newcomers. When Jeff calls Gannon out to settle the dispute man to man, the villain arranges an ambush. Ronda rushes out to warn Jeff and is fatally shot in the back. Jeff kills Gannon in the ensuing gunfight and the rest of his gang surrender. Connie wins Jeff by default.

Spoilers end here.

[edit] James Stewart and Anthony Mann

James Stewart starred in five classic western movies by director Anthony Mann. In all five he plays a man that is haunted by the past. The films are famous for their groundbreaking use of the landscape to portray the characters feelings.