How did a routine, frequently poorly acted movie with "small screen" star Guy Madison beat "Hondo," a complex, beautifully acted movie with John Wayne as biggest western moneymaker of 1953? No, the answer is not the faddish 3D process, as BOTH films were shot in 3D. I believe the answer lies in "...Feather River" is director Gordon Douglas' understanding of the potentials of 3D. Douglas and director of photography J. Peverell Marley produce some really impressive 3D visuals. The proof is this is even the "flat" version impresses with it's "in your face" effects.
Madison is solid, as always,as are most of the cast of supporting players, virtually a "who's who" of great 50s character actors. The major false note is Vera Miles, in one of early roles. Miles is terrible, surprising, given her later career and her previous films. and veteran character actor Onslow Stevens disappoints in his final scene.
On the other hand, even Max Steiner's clunky score adds to the fun.
"The Charge at Feather River" is the perfect example of how imaginative use of 3D can enhance the most familiar of material. While it's no where near the best film shot in 3D (which include "Hondo" and "Invaders From Mars" and "Creature From the Black Lagoon") it's he best 3D movie I have seen. I give "The Charge at Feather River" a "7".
Madison is solid, as always,as are most of the cast of supporting players, virtually a "who's who" of great 50s character actors. The major false note is Vera Miles, in one of early roles. Miles is terrible, surprising, given her later career and her previous films. and veteran character actor Onslow Stevens disappoints in his final scene.
On the other hand, even Max Steiner's clunky score adds to the fun.
"The Charge at Feather River" is the perfect example of how imaginative use of 3D can enhance the most familiar of material. While it's no where near the best film shot in 3D (which include "Hondo" and "Invaders From Mars" and "Creature From the Black Lagoon") it's he best 3D movie I have seen. I give "The Charge at Feather River" a "7".