'Mutiny on the Bounty' in a Western setting

This picture, while well-made and very entertaining, is little more than a creative retelling of the story of William Bligh, Fletcher Christian, and the H.M.S. Bounty in an old west setting. The parallels are obvious and play out in sequence. Even the ending, which I will avoid revealing, has similarities to historical events. The salvation of Pitcairn Island is represented by Abilene, the unforgiving Captain Bligh by Dunson (Wayne), the mutinous yet beloved Fletcher Christian by Garth (Clift), etc. Even the Bounty itself is represented by the herd and the hired hands driving it. Prior to Red River's release in 1948, the story of the Bounty had already been adapted to film twice--once in 1916 and again in 1936. But don't take my word for it; see Charles Laughton and Clark Gable in the 1936 version (Mutiny on the Bounty) or Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins (The Bounty, 1984). Then watch Red River and decide for yourself!