When Lewis Stone shakes hands with himself in 1922's Prisoner of Zenda I thought I'd never see a better bit of trick photography. But River's End goes two or three better with its effects. Charles Bickford plays cards with himself. He crosses behind a chair and when he reaches the other side picks up his other self's wrist to take his pulse. Finally, he checks his other self's breathing by placing his head on his chest while laying his hand over his other self's hand. There are lots of standard split screen effects in the film, too. You'll want to watch these tricks multiple times to try to guess how they were done.
As for the film itself, it's early enough not to use the standard plot devices. The hero's untenable position seem genuine. There really is no easy way out. However, after the action of the first few minutes the film drags into a talk fest. I wished it were about 15 minutes shorter.
As for the film itself, it's early enough not to use the standard plot devices. The hero's untenable position seem genuine. There really is no easy way out. However, after the action of the first few minutes the film drags into a talk fest. I wished it were about 15 minutes shorter.