Director Anthony Mann and James Stewart had a prolific partnership, releasing eight films in five years. The first was Winchester ’73 (1950), which tells a compelling story, or more accurately, a number of compelling stories about human failings. The stories are linked through the titular object, the abbreviated name of the Winchester Rifle Model 1873, described as “the gun that won the West,” which is coveted by many, some of whom will do anything to get their hands on it.
Buy Winchester ’73 Criterion Collection Blu-rayThe film opens in Dodge City, Kansas, which is giving away a Winchester ’73 as first prize in the Centennial Rifle Shoot held on July 4th 1876. Lin McAdam (Stewart) and High-Spade Frankie Wilson (Millard Mitchell) are searching for Dutch Henry Brown (Stephen McNally), with whom Lin has a personal score to settle. Lin is sure the rifle will bring Dutch to town. They end up competing for the rifle, and Dutch leaves town with it, along with a pair of associates.
On the way to Tascosa, Texas, at Riker’s Hotel & Bar, they run into Indian trader Joe Lamont () with guns and ammo for sale. Dutch and his fellas need guns but Joe quotes an inflated price. Being unarmed in Indian country, Dutch sells the rifle. Joe goes to meet Indians, led by Young Bull (Rock Hudson). They also want guns, possibly inspired by the recent Battle of the Little Bighorn. Young Bull sees Joe’s rifle, which isn’t for sale, but Young Bull doesn’t take “no” for an answer.
Steve Miller (Charles Drake) and his fiancée, former saloon girl Lola (Shelley Winters), are traveling toward their a new home. En route, they are pursued by Young Bull and his warriors. Panicking, Steve jumps on a horse and leaves her, later explaining he was riding off to find help which she doesn’t believe. Not far ahead, Steve sees a small encampment of soldiers. He races back for Lola, and together they make it into the camp. That night, Lin and Frankie, chased by some of Young Bull’s men, also ride into the encampment.
The next day the Indians attack the encampment, but eventually retreat. As the parties go their separate ways, the rifle is found and Steve takes possession of it. He and Lola get to their destination and meet up with Waco Johnny (Dan Duryea), a notorious, fast gunslinger. A posse is pursuing Waco, but he is able to escape, taking the rifle and Lola with him. Johnny meets up with Dutch for a bank robbery set in Tascosa after the stagecoach delivers a gold shipment. Dutch demands the rifle, asserting its his. Waco acquiesces to stay in the deal, intending to get it back afterwards. Just before the stagecoach arrives, Lin and Frankie arrive in Tascosa, inquiring about Dutch, which gets the attention of Waco.
The screenplay by Borden Chase and Robert L. Richards is very well written and along with the talented cast, the characters are believable individuals, many motivated by a selfishness that prioritizes their desires over others. Even Lin is driven by revenge that borders on all-consuming. In addition, the interpersonal relationships ground the intersecting plots, each one as captivating as the other.
The video has been given a 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer displayed at an aspect ratio of 1.35:1. The liner notes state, “”Undertaken by Universal Pictures in collaboration with The Film Foundation, this new 4K restoration was created from the 35mm nitrate original camera negative. Blacks are inky, whites appear accurate. and there’s a solid spectrum of gray shades. The image delivers good depth and focus, with fine texture details seen throughout. There’s light film grain.
The audio is available in LPCM Mono. Also from the liner notes, “the original monaural soundtrack was remastered from the 35mm nitrate optical soundtrack negative.” Dialogue is consistently clear. The score has good dynamics and the gunfire is delivered with sufficient power. Didn’t notice signs of wear or age.
The Special Features are:
- Commentary – Recorded in 1989, Stewart talks with film historian Paul Lindenschmidt about working on the film and with Mann. Great to hear from this legend.
- Adam Piron (18 min) – Recorded in 2024, the director of the Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program discusses Native American representation in the western genre.
- Forces of Nature: Anthony Mann at Universal (47 min) – A documentary about the director who preferred to stay behind the camera.
- Lux Radio Theatre (audio only, 60 min) – Broadcast in 1951, Stewart and McNally reprise their roles.
Winchester ’73 is a classic Hollywood western with a memorable screenplay that feels like a short-story collection because most of the characters are so compelling they feel the lead in their scenes. Stewart is particularly impressive in his role as a man wavering between justice and vengeance. The high-definition presentation of the new 4K restoration looks quite good.
