Flammendes Tal

I have not seen this movie recently; but I remember it as an unusually attractive looking film. Color by Technicolor, and colorful costumes by Edith Head, for Hedy Lamarr, helped make this otherwise run of the mill story, eye candy for viewers. Hedy Lamarr looked wonderful as usual; of course this role could not possibly rival that of Delilah. Ray Milland was more fun than usual. I thought character development was superior to most westerns of the time; except perhaps for Hedy's role, which seemed a little ambiguous. Good western. Hedy Lamarr's physical presence was an added bonus.

The story is set on post-Civil War day where some copper miners , Confederate veterans , are blackmailed by Southern towners commanded by deputy Lane Travis (Donald McCarey) and his hoodlums . The copper-miners ask marksman nonpareil named Johnny Carter ( Ray Milland ) to help them , under the consideration that he is the former Southern Colonel Desmond . When the Johnny's spectacle comes to Coppertown he falls in love with the femme fatal Lisa Roselle ( Hedy Lamarr ) , whom the miners believe is at the origin of their problems . Later on , Johnny Carter assists fellow Sourtherners who are been continuously harassed by towner rebel-haters . Southern people attempt to transport a copper shipment from Coppertown until Mesa City when are attacked and beleaguered by local deputies .

This is an acceptable Western full of action , thrills , shootouts , romance and wonderful scenarios . Ray Milland faces with decision his role as Confederate veteran disguised as stage sharpshooter and of course a gorgeous Hedy Lamarr as lovely and astute gambler . Ample and agreeable support cast as Harry Carey Jr , Mona Freeman , Frank Faylen and eternal secondary Ian Wolfe . Special mention to Hope Emerson as robust Saloon-keeper. Colorist cinematography in glimmer Technicolor by Charles Lang and atmospheric score by Daniel Amfiteatrofh who includes splendid musical background on the main titles . The picture is fine and professionally directed by John Farrow . He was a veteran writer , producer and director who made several films as hits as flops . He directed various Western as ¨Hondo¨ , ¨Ride vaquero¨ , ¨California¨ and ¨Copper canyon¨ , among others . Rating : Passable Western that will appeal to Ray Milland and Hedy Lamarr fans .

I like Copper Canyon, it's one of my favorite westerns. Admittedly the plot is somewhat convoluted and the acting, although competent, is not outstanding. I think I mainly like the cast. Hedy Lamarr is gorgeous -- as usual -- Mona Freeman was one of Hollywood's prettiest blondes, and Ray Milland is the suave, dashing hero. At the time it was made, Copper Canyon was just one of many westerns ground out during Hollywood's Golden Age, although a bit more stylish than most. But, like most Golden Age movies, it's fun to watch -- which I can't say about most movies made these days.

Hedy Lamarr decided to go west following in the footsteps of Marlene Dietrich who saw Destry Rides Again rejuvenate her career. I'm sure that was why she decided to do Copper Canyon where she was saloon girl villainess who falls big time for fancy sharp shooter Ray Milland who brings his trick shot act into her town and saloon.

Milland arouses the jealousy of crooked sheriff Macdonald Carey. But Milland has a past of his own. He's a former Confederate colonel who robbed a Yankee payroll in escaping before the war ended. He's a hunted man for that reason though the local hunter, army lieutenant Harry Carey, Jr. really hasn't got his heart in the job.

Milland's been sent for because the local copper mine smelter with the connivance of Carey has been exploiting the Confederate veterans. His prowess with weapons comes in mighty handy before the film is over.

It's a good, not great western, but the reason it became popular because of the title tune which is heard, but not sung in the soundtrack. Young Teresa Brewer had a hit record of it back in the day.

Copper Canyon didn't really give Hedy Lamarr the Dietrich like assist in her career. Still she does fine and it's a good Saturday afternoon film for enjoyment.

Plot-- An ex-Confederate officer turned trick-shot artist is enlisted by townsfolk looking to get their copper ore past a crooked sheriff and his men. At the same time, he has to deal with a glamorous saloon girl whose allegiance sort of wobbles.

When I think westerns, LaMarr and Milland don't come readily to mind. Here they're just okay, though I'm sure their names looked good on the marquee. Though Milland can project grit, he's too laid-back (unmotivated?) here to anchor an action movie. He's better when he's just a smooth trick-shot artist. Then too, LaMarr projects a lot more beauty than the emotion needed for her tricky role. Her part unfortunately calls for a stronger, more Stanwyck-type personality, as others point out. Nonetheless, the production does have two things going for it. First is the great red rock scenery of Sedona, AZ, familiar from a hundred other big budget oaters, but well- staged and photographed here. Second is Macdonald Carey who delivers much needed spark and energy as the conniving bad guy. Then too, no film that includes exotica like the gnomish Percy Helton (Scamper) or the amazonian Hope Emerson (Ma Tarbet) can afford to be overlooked.

Anyway, the movie's a decent time-passer, but lacks the tightness and force needed to really register.