Tonight's Movie: Drums Across the River (1954) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

A couple of weeks ago I reviewed THE CIMARRON KID (1952) from the Kino Lorber Audie Murphy Collection Volume 4.

Tonight I'm back with another review from the same set, DRUMS ACROSS THE RIVER (1954).

I first saw this film in 2014 via a DVD from the TCM Vault Audie Murphy Collection.

That was a good print, but it's wonderful that Kino Lorber has now reissued it on Blu-ray, complete with a commentary track by knowledgeable experts.

As I mentioned in my review of THE CIMARRON KID, I feel that Murphy really started to come into his own as a fine actor around 1954, and his growing ability and confidence is demonstrated in DRUMS ACROSS THE RIVER. I'd note he's even better in his other two films released the same year, DESTRY (1954) and RIDE CLEAR OF DIABLO (1954).

As was the case in 2014, the DRUMS ACROSS THE RIVER plot about gold thieves and Ute Indians isn't a favorite of mine, as Murphy's character, Gary, and his father (Walter Brennan) are helpless dealing with the bad guys (headed by Lyle Bettger) for much of the film.

For more detailed analysis of the movie I'd like to encourage readers to click over to my older review, as my thoughts haven't changed in the intervening years, and then click back here for additional thoughts.

Despite my dissatisfaction with the story, there are several factors which make DRUMS ACROSS THE RIVER worthwhile:

*Murphy's more polished acting

*Fine supporting performances by Hugh O'Brian as a psycho hired gun and Jay Silverheels as an Indian who joins forces with Murphy, plus a welcome appearance by Bob Steele as one of Bettger's henchmen

*Pretty Lisa Gaye -- younger sister of Teala Loring and Debra Paget -- as Murphy's sweetheart (though she does exclaim "Gary!" a few times too many)

*Respectful treatment of Indians

*Outstanding Technicolor, filmed by Harold Lipstein

*A variety of interesting locations, including Iverson Movie Ranch, Red Rock Canyon, and more

*A quick 78-minute running time.

DRUMS ACROSS THE RIVER was directed by Nathan Juran. It was written by John K. Butler and Lawrence Roman from Butler's story.

Cast members not previously mentioned also include Mara Corday, who passed away earlier this year; Regis Toomey, Emile Meyer, Morris Ankrum, James Anderson, and Gregg Barton.

The Blu-ray print is terrific, and those who appreciate Universal's Technicolor Westerns of this era will very much enjoy it. Sound quality is also excellent.

Disc extras consist of the previously mentioned commentary track, which features C. Courtney Joyner and Henry Parke, historians I have heard speak at the Lone Pine Film Festival. The disc also contains the movie trailer, newly mastered in 2K, plus four additional Murphy trailers.

Coming soon, a review of the final film in this set, THE KID FROM TEXAS (1950).

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray collection.

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