Night Passage is a 1957 western film directed by James Neilson that has captivated audiences with its thrilling storyline and talented cast. This article delves into the details of the movie, highlighting the stars and their roles, as well as providing information about the production, filming locations, and more. Get ready to embark on a journey through the Wild West with Night Passage.
Contents
- 1 Brief Synopsis of Night Passage
- 2 Cast & Crew of Night Passage
- 3 Film Details
- 4 Filming Locations of Night Passage
- 5 Director and Screenplay Information
- 6 Conclusion
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 Who are the main stars in the movie Night Passage?
- 7.2 What is the storyline of Night Passage?
- 7.3 When was Night Passage released?
- 7.4 Where was Night Passage filmed?
- 7.5 Who directed Night Passage?
- 7.6 What is the aspect ratio and sound format of Night Passage?
- 7.7 Is Night Passage a must-see film for Western fans?
Key Takeaways:
- James Stewart, Audie Murphy, Dan Duryea, and Dianne Foster are among the talented cast members of Night Passage.
- The film is set in the Western genre and combines action, drama, and suspense.
- Night Passage was directed by James Neilson and written by Borden Chase.
- The movie was filmed on location in Animas Canyon, Durango, and Silverton, Colorado.
- Released in 1957, the film has a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Brief Synopsis of Night Passage
Night Passage is a thrilling Western film that follows the story of Grant McLaine, a disgraced railroad employee who is given an opportunity to redeem himself. McLaine’s task is to guard the company’s payroll against a group of outlaws. To accomplish this mission, he teams up with his brother, The Utica Kid, and together they set out to stop a gang of thieves led by Whitey Harbin.
As McLaine embarks on this dangerous journey, he also forms a bond with a young orphan boy named Joey Adams. The film is packed with action, drama, and suspense, as the characters face various obstacles and challenges.
With a captivating storyline and a talented cast, Night Passage offers an immersive Western experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Night Passage offers a thrilling Western experience with elements of action, drama, and suspense.
Cast & Crew of Night Passage
Let’s take a closer look at the talented cast and crew behind the making of the classic Western film, Night Passage.
The Cast
The film features an impressive ensemble of actors, led by James Stewart in the role of Grant McLaine, a disgraced railroad employee. Audie Murphy delivers a captivating performance as The Utica Kid, McLaine’s brother who joins him in their mission. Dan Duryea portrays the cunning and dangerous Whitey Harbin, while Dianne Foster brings depth and complexity to the character of Charlie Drew. The cast also includes Elaine Stewart, Brandon De Wilde, Jay C. Flippen, and Herbert Anderson, among others, who contribute to the film’s authenticity and storytelling.
The Crew
Night Passage was skillfully directed by James Neilson, who expertly brought the Western landscape and its characters to life. The screenplay was written by Borden Chase, adapting the source material from the novel Night Passage by Norman A. Fox. The combined vision of Neilson and Chase resulted in a compelling and engaging film that captivates audiences to this day.
The film was produced by Universal-International Pictures Co., Inc., known for their commitment to delivering quality productions. With their support and the remarkable collaboration of the cast and crew, Night Passage became a standout Western film that continues to resonate with audiences.
Film Details
Night Passage is a Western film that was released in August 1957. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It was shot in color using the Technicolor process. The aspect ratio of the film is 2.35:1, and it features mono sound.
| Premiere | Runtime | Color | Aspect Ratio | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO – July 17, 1957 | 1 hour and 30 minutes | Color | 2.35:1 | Mono |
Filming Locations of Night Passage
Night Passage, a classic Western film, was filmed on location in picturesque Colorado, showcasing the rugged landscapes and scenic beauty of the state. The filming locations add authenticity and atmosphere to the Western setting of the film.
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Animas Canyon, Colorado | A beautiful and rugged canyon offering breathtaking views that perfectly capture the essence of the Western genre. |
| Durango, Colorado | A historic town known for its Old West charm and scenic vistas, providing an ideal backdrop for the film’s Western setting. |
| Silverton, Colorado | A picturesque mountain town surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, enhancing the visual appeal of the film. |
The choice of these filming locations in Colorado adds to the overall authenticity and visual impact of Night Passage, creating a captivating film experience for audiences.
Director and Screenplay Information
Night Passage was directed by James Neilson, a talented filmmaker who brought the Western story to life on the big screen. With his keen eye for visual storytelling and attention to detail, Neilson skillfully captured the essence of this thrilling film.
The screenplay for Night Passage was written by Borden Chase, a renowned screenwriter known for his work in the Western genre. Chase adapted the screenplay from the novel Night Passage by Norman A. Fox, crafting a compelling narrative that captivates audiences from start to finish. Through his adept storytelling, Chase successfully translated the essence of the original source material into a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film.
Crew and Cast Selection
The collaboration between the director and screenwriter is crucial in bringing a film to life. James Neilson and Borden Chase’s partnership on Night Passage exemplifies the successful combination of visionary direction and a well-crafted screenplay.
Director James Neilson’s past work in the Western genre, coupled with his understanding of storytelling techniques, made him the perfect choice to helm Night Passage. His ability to balance action, drama, and suspense created an immersive cinematic experience for audiences.
Screenwriter Borden Chase’s talent for adapting stories to the screen shines in Night Passage. His screenplay effectively captures the essence of the novel, bringing the characters and their journeys to life. Chase’s attention to detail and nuanced storytelling contributed to the film’s success.
Film Highlights
| Director | Screenplay |
|---|---|
| James Neilson | Borden Chase |
Conclusion
Night Passage is a classic Western film that captivates audiences with its stellar cast and gripping storyline. James Stewart, Audie Murphy, and Dan Duryea deliver compelling performances that bring their characters to life on the big screen. The film’s picturesque filming locations in Colorado add a visually stunning backdrop to the narrative, immersing viewers in the authentic Western atmosphere.
For fans of the Western genre, Night Passage is a must-see. Its combination of action, drama, and suspense keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. The film showcases the talents of James Stewart, a legendary actor known for his captivating presence and versatility. Alongside him, Audie Murphy and Dan Duryea deliver memorable performances that further enhance the film’s impact.
As a production, Night Passage showcases the skills and creativity of the talented cast and crew involved. From the direction of James Neilson to the screenplay adaptation by Borden Chase, each element of the film works seamlessly together to create a compelling cinematic experience. Whether you are a fan of James Stewart or simply appreciate a well-crafted Western film, Night Passage is sure to satisfy your viewing experience.
FAQ
Who are the main stars in the movie Night Passage?
The main stars in Night Passage are James Stewart as Grant McLaine, Audie Murphy as The Utica Kid, Dan Duryea as Whitey Harbin, and Dianne Foster as Charlie Drew.
What is the storyline of Night Passage?
Night Passage follows the story of Grant McLaine, a disgraced railroad employee who is given a chance to redeem himself by guarding the company’s payroll against outlaws. McLaine teams up with his brother, The Utica Kid, to stop a gang of thieves led by Whitey Harbin. Along the way, McLaine also befriends a young orphan boy named Joey Adams.
When was Night Passage released?
Night Passage was released in August 1957.
Where was Night Passage filmed?
Night Passage was filmed on location in Animas Canyon, Colorado, Durango, Colorado, and Silverton, Colorado.
Who directed Night Passage?
Night Passage was directed by James Neilson.
What is the aspect ratio and sound format of Night Passage?
Night Passage has an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and features mono sound.
Is Night Passage a must-see film for Western fans?
Yes, Night Passage is a classic Western film featuring an all-star cast and a thrilling storyline. It is highly recommended for fans of the genre.