MovieChat Forums > River of No Return (1954) Discussion > Who really cares any more?

Who really cares any more?

posted 20 years ago by jade_f45
13 replies | jump to latest

As the years have gone by and the movies have changed, we forget about how to make movies that convey a message or that inspire. What we are lacking today are movies like this one. My favorite quote in this movie was when shopkeeper said to Robert Mitchum, 'Men are chasing after gold, the troops are chasing after the Indians, the Indians are chasing after buffalo. What are you chasing after Calder?'. This movie went down in history as a cheap western but we younger people in the 21th century could change that and start making movies that are like this but different. Anyway, I love the song at the end of the movie where Marilyn Monroe starts humming a tune about the River of No return. A classic!

[–] hollyviolins 19 years ago

This film is dated in the year I was born- (like "A Star is Born"- ha ha- with Judy Garland- an obvious love of Marilyn's, by the photos) I think the plot is a little thin and the stereotyping of cowboy and indian simple-minded- but despite that, I really like this film- the score particularly gives it a haunting quality as do Monroe's soft vocals- the "cowboy backup singers" who repaeat the phrase "no return. no return" is classic and very period- like some of the cowboy singers of Gene Autry or the Mickey Mouse Club mini-dramas I watched very young- Elvis had some back-up vocalists like that i.e. on "Teddy Bear" and then it kind of died
I've travelled some alone in the Sierras and the music seems to capture the feel- and a certain pathos about leaving where I was from, and everyone back there- it's an element of this film
It's like "The Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot somehow sounds like Lake Superior and "Take Me Home" by John Denver captures the 'sound" of the appalachians- good music does that-
"Hollywood Nights" sounds like L.A. used to- back in the late seventies- but the pace is even faster there now

[–] joekiddlouischama 19 years ago

River of No Return has its flaws (the film is excessively melodramatic in places, the Indians are simple wolves, some of the dialogue is stilted, the Technicolor is a bit too bright and splashy at times, and the rear projection is hideously obvious), but it's indeed a rather haunting and memorable movie. Mitchum is at his world-weary, coolly resilient best; Monroe gives the film emotional soul; the musical vocals are almost spiritual in nature; much of the dialogue is cynically clever and witty; the landscapes are freshly spectacular; and the myriad blue hues of the river, mountains, and sky (not to mention Monroe's anachronistic jeans) make the cinematography notable. In a sense, Mitchum and Monroe were almost perfectly matched because each of their personas projected a sort of tough vulnerability.

I don't think that many people consider this film a brilliant Western, but it does strike a certain memorable chord that will hopefully keep it lodged in the minds of cinema lovers for decades to come. Because of its mythic stars, haunting music, simply metaphorical plot, and ruggedly mesmerizing visuals, River of No Return indeed feels like a Greek odyssey.

[–] prjdean 19 years ago

joekidd... what a great post! You put into words some of my feelings about this underrated western. I always liked it , always thought Mitchum was the best costar Marilyn ever had, always loved the songs and score, always thought she looked incredible in her period(sorta) costumes, etc. Her scenes with Tommy Rettig are sweet - the best she had with children - and show her maternal possibilities. I prefer RIVER OF NO RETURN over some of her better known films such as SEVEN YEAR ITCH - it has a mythic, timeless quality you mention.

[–] sma_88_05 18 years ago

I always thought it was good too, ever since I first saw it - but you're right it is underrated - particularly compared to a lot of Marilyn's other films. For some reason 'River of No Return' has never received the reception I think it deserved - but I remember hearing that Marilyn named it as one of her least favourite roles so maybe that has something to do with it.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] prjdean 18 years ago

Actors are not always the best judge of their own work. I know both stars were less than thrilled with RONR. I dont think that should interfere with our judgment of the film.
I think in 2006 this film seems much better than it did on initial release in 1954 for many reasons - some mentioned in my earlier post. We have few stars today who can match the star power of this amazing pair.

[–] krp-7 18 years ago

No offense, but I have a hard time rating this over her collaboration with George Winslow in Gentlemen Prefer Blonds

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] JMilam9977-1 17 years ago

Tell me, just how would you suggest we make movies like this, but different? Duh.

[–] onepotato2 16 years ago

As the years have gone by and the movies have changed, we forget about how to make movies that convey a message or that inspire. What we are lacking today are movies like this one..... This movie went down in history as a cheap western but we younger people in the 21th century could change that and start making movies that are like this but different.

by - jade_f45 on Mon Feb 7 2005 15:02:09
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Huh. I just don't see it that way... or desire more movies like this. There are good Monroe movies and Mitchum movies, but the plot here is threadbare and its moral message is simplistic and hoary. Do you have much chance to shoot jerks who are threatening your friends?

I did learn that Robert Mitchum can wrestle a tiger, though.

[–] Jason_Radley 12 years ago

My favorite quote in this movie was when shopkeeper said to Robert Mitchum, 'Men are chasing after gold, the troops are chasing after the Indians, the Indians are chasing after buffalo. What are you chasing after Calder?'

I believe it was along the lines of 'White men are chasing gold; the Injuns are chasing white men; the army are chasing the Injuns....'

[–] PoppyTransfusion 10 years ago

I'm not sure I agree with everything the OP writes but I loved all of Monroe's songs in the film, especially her rendition of River of No Return.

I give my respect to those who have earned it; to everyone else, I'm civil.

[–] greenbudgie 10 years ago

I love that song towards the end of the film too. Marilyn sings that well. And she looks beautiful in her yellow and orange saloon girl gown. "Love is a traveller on the river of no return." Lovely and wistful.