PLOT:
Set in the Northwestern United States in 1875, the film focuses on taciturn widower Matt Calder (Mitchum), who recently has been released from prison after serving time for killing a man while defending another one. He arrives in a tent city in search of his ten-year-old son Mark (Tommy Rettig), who was left in the care of dance hall singer Kay (Monroe) during his absence. Matt promises Mark, a virtual stranger to him, the two will enjoy a life of hunting, fishing and farming on their homestead.
Kay’s fiancé, gambler Harry Weston (Rory Calhoun), tells her they must go to Council City to file the deed on a gold mine he won in a poker game. They head downriver on their flimsy log raft, and when they encounter trouble in the rapids near the Calder farm, Matt and Mark rescue them. Harry offers to buy Matt’s rifle and horse so that reach Council City by land, and when Matt refuses, Harry steals both, leaving Kay, Matt, and Mark stranded in the wilderness.
When hostile Indians threaten the farm, the three are forced to escape down the river on Harry’s raft. That night they set up camp by the river, and Matt and Kay argue about the wisdom of pursuing Harry. Matt questions why she would choose to marry a man who had endangered a child, and she reminds him Harry never killed a man like he did. Mark overhears their discussion, and Matt is forced to reveal the truth about his past to his son, who is unable to comprehend why his father acted as he did.
As the three continue their journey, Kay comes to appreciate Matt’s bravery and the tender way he cares for both her and Mark. As time passes, they are forced to deal with a series of trials and tribulations, including a mountain lion attack; prospectors Sam Benson and Dave Colby, who are pursing Harry for stealing their gold claim; and another group of Indians.
After a difficult ride through the worst of the rapids, the three arrive in Council City and confront Harry. Harry shoots at Matt, forcing Mark to kill Harry with a rifle he is inspecting in the general store, and the boy finally understands why his father shot a man so many years before. Kay heads to the local saloon, and while she is singing there, Matt arrives to take her back to his farm with Mark.
REVIEW:
I’ve read some reviews of River of No Return, most of which can’t decide which scenery is better…the wonderous nature, or Marilyn Monroe! To be honest, I had trouble focusing, myself.
This is a film about a man who has recently returned from prison, sent for his son, and wants to settle down on his farm and live a quiet life. Unfortunately for him, he saves Monroe and her shifty husband from being swept down the river. To make matters worse, the husband “borrows” his gun and horse (two things one would need living in those days, especially with the Indians just waiting to pounce when given the chance). So, the man, his son, and Monroe take off down the dangerous river after him.
A pretty nice story drives this film along, make no mistake about that, but it is Marilyn Monroe that keep audiences interested. First off, she’s in tight jeans, that show off her ample posterior (especially when wet). Most of the film, she is in some sort of white shirt. Do I really need to say how much of a distraction that can be when mixed with water?
All this aside, though, one has to be impressed with Monroe’s performance. She doesn’t play a total ditz here. She is just a normal, compassionate woman, who happens to be blonde. It is on record that she thinks this is her worst film. As I haven’t seen all of her films, I can’t fully comment on that, but judging the ones I have seen, I have to respectfully disagree.
Robert Mitchum plays a hardened, rugged anti-hero type. This seems to be the kind of role he was meant to play, as it fits him like a glove. Not quite sure what got into him when all but raped Marilyn out there in the woods, though. The compassion and love he shows for his son in unmatched, though…even if he always calls him “the boy”.
There is a little bit of action here and there, but this more of a drama when all is said and done. I wold have liked for there to have been more of the Indians than the 2 1/2 scenes they had, but that’s just me.
While our trio is headed down the river, though, is quite action-packed, complete with fainting, people falling off the raft, Indian attacks and your basic death-defying peril that usually accompanies such a trek.
River of No Return may not be Marilyn’s best work, but it worth watching if for nothing else than the scenery and a decent plot. I highly recommend it to all of you that love Marilyn and classic cinema. You won’t come away disappointed!
4 out of 5 stars
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