Vengeance Valley - Color - 1951

Vengeance Valley, released in full color in 1951, is a classic western film set amidst a backdrop of compelling drama and tension. Directed by Richard Thorpe and based on a novel by Luke Short, the film showcases Hollywood legends like Burt Lancaster and Robert Walker in leading roles, further enhancing the appeal and engagement of the story. Brilliantly scriptwritten by Irving Ravetch, the feature portrays the outlandish vicinity and profoundly raw life of the old Midwest, projecting intense drama, betrayal and sibling rivalry.

The plot unfolds on a sprawling ranch in Colorado, deeply entrenched in the rural ethos and vast landscapes that symbolize the magnificent yet rugged nature of the American West. At the center of this prairie universe is a robust, resilient and respected cattle rancher called Owen Daybright, a role that fits Lancaster like a glove with his natural charisma and athletic prowess. Daybright isn’t the biological son of the ranch owner, but the old man has raised him together with his own boy, Lee Strobie, played by Robert Walker. Despite their foster kinship, the boys have distinct moral compasses, setting the stage for sibling rivalry and conflict.

Owen is a responsible, forthright and diligent foreman who manages herds of cattle and dutifully looks out for the ranch hands. He carries himself with a stern dignity that commands respect. On the contrary, Lee is reckless, irresponsible, and his priorities laid askew, compared to his half-brother. Wrapping up this family milieu is Jen (Joanne Dru), Lee's faithful wife whose loyalty is tested as the intensity of the narrative unravels.

As the story progresses, deeply buried secrets are unearthed, leading to a bitter atmosphere of accusations and resentments. An essential subplot is introduced when Lily (Sally Forrest), a young waitress at a local diner, gives birth to a son. She is abandoned by the child's father, who she insists is Lee, thus sparking a high-stakes game of suspicion, tension, and consequence.

Unraveling this tangled web, Owen assumes a protective role, offering to take responsibility for Lily's child in place of his brother. His unselfish actions serve as the last straw that segues the tension between the brothers into fully-fledged confrontation. Amid the raging pursuits and misunderstanding, each character's true colors are revealed, creating waves of tension that drive the narrative forward.

Vengeance Valley remarkably showcases the grandeur of the old West, thanks to its breathtaking cinematography by George J. Folsey. The imagery of the rugged countryside, the unyielding Colorado River, and the imposing Rocky Mountains adds a sense of authenticity and visual brilliance to the film. The director makes full use of this scenery, interspersing dramatic scenes with high-speed horse riding, cattle stampedes, and tense showdowns.

The film's title, 'Vengeance Valley,' foreshadows a deep sense of unfolding retribution that permeates the narrative. It subtly hints at the impending fallout and the characters' tragic trajectory marked by betrayal and thwarted ambitions. In the film’s climax, all these unaddressed hostilities bubble over the edge, leading to an action-packed showdown, set against the backdrop of a mass cattle drive.

The performances lend a substantial gravitas to the film. Burt Lancaster, with his commanding screen presence, successfully infuses a unique charm and depth to his character Owen. Robert Walker brilliantly portrays the volatile Lee, revealing the character's flaws while eliciting sympathy for his plight. The supporting roles add depth to the multilayered narrative: from Joanne Dru as Lee's wife, who is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her burgeoning feelings for Owen, to Sally Forrest who brings palpable vulnerability as the jilted Lily.

In sum, 'Vengeance Valley' is a splendidly produced Western film that effectively combines a stirring drama of family conflict and deep-seated revenge. It stands as a testament to the universal appeal of solid storytelling, compelling performances, and classic Western settings. Not just for fans of the genre, but for anyone who appreciates good cinema, this 1951 release remains an engaging and visually impressive viewing experience almost seventy years later.