Overview"Three Violent People" is a 1956 western film directed by Rudolph Maté. The movie includes Charlton Heston, Anne Baxter, and Gilbert Roland in lead roles. Embed in the Civil War age, the film artfully merges themes of western grit, family commitment, and subtle love, as it narrates the complicated dynamics of war-stricken characters trying to create alliances while dealing with betrayals.
PlotThe story focuses on Confederate Captain Colt Saunders (Charlton Heston), who returns from the Civil War to his Texas ranch just to find it damaged by Unionist carpetbaggers. During his journey home, he comes across Lorna Hunter (Anne Baxter), a barroom dancer; charmed by her, he impulsively weds her. Unbeknownst to Colt, Lorna is concealing her tormented past as a prostitute, a reality she's keeping a trick to start a fresh life.
Dispute and ResolutionThe plot unfolds with dramatic twists as Lorna's previous threatens to unravel, all while Colt has a hard time to retain control of his cattle ranch. Another vital character is Innocencio Ortega (Gilbert Roland), the family's faithful retainer who harbours animosity for the years of ill-treatment.
Colt's despotic bro Cinch (Tom Tryon) starts to doubt Lorna's character, after a carpetbagger Barclay (Bruce Bennett) raises her past. He likewise plans to seize the ranch in the background of the Reconstruction Act.
Colt, unaware of the reality, is deeply outraged when he finds Lorna's past at a celebration organized by Barclay. He rejects her and leaves to save his land from being removed, causing a range war. Cinch gets wounded throughout the battle, and in a moment of realization, acknowledges his misdeeds.
Simultaneously, Lorna fights her individual fights to show her love for Colt. When Innocencio familiarizes about her situation, he eliminates Barclay out of commitment to her. The climax sees a change of mind in Colt who finally concerns describe with Lorna's past, acknowledging her love for him and her dedication to their marriage. The film concludes on a hopeful note with Lorna and Colt assuring a victorious battle versus any difficulties, highlighting the mindset of post-war strength.
Styles and Critical Reception"Three Violent People" explores styles of redemption, forgiveness, loyalty, and improvement under the violent truths of post-civil war America. Characters go through intense psychological journeys, making the narrative insightful and practical.
Critically, fans of the western category applauded the movie for its detailed representation of the post-war struggles and the underlying romantic plot. The efficiencies, particularly by Charlton Heston and Anne Baxter, were lauded. Nevertheless, some critics found the storyline predictable and the character depth lacking. In spite of varied criticisms, the film continues to resonate as a staple of mid-1950s Western cinema.
Overall, the movie "Three Violent People" is a compelling saga of love, deceit, and survival. The well-knit story, intense action sequences, and sensational efficiencies make the movie worth seeing.
Top Cast
