Drums Across the River (1954) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Drums Across The River is one of Audie Murphy's better westerns, thanks to a great script, great performances, and great direction.
Murphy stars as a young man who runs a freight company along with his father, played by Walter Brennan. The Colorado town they live in is drying up, and the citizens have become restless, so much so that some of the leading citizens have decided to go across the river to the neighboring San Juan mountains. But Utes Indians live in these mountains, and aren't wlecoming to anyone trying to take gold frol their land.
Murphy helps to organize an expedition to dig for gold on the Ute's territoty, which puts him at odds with his father, who is friendly with the Ute's chief. Further complicating matters is a gang led by perennial western villain Lyle Bettger, who are pushing for the gold expedition for their own reasons.
The acting is top-notch, with everyone giving a solid performance. The direction, by veteran director Nathan Juran is crisp, and the movie flows at a very rapid, exciting pace. The script by John K. Butler and Lawrence Roman reveals lots of emotions and subtexts that lie under the surface, and is more thoughtful and intelligent than many western scripts.
Drums Across The River is one of Murphy's best, and one can only hope it will be included when the inevitable conversion of Murphy's westerns to DVD takes place.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Drums Across the River (1954)

Click here for more information about Drums Across the River (1954)