Mujer al fin

Tongue-in-cheek western that's better than it had any right to be. That's mainly because TCF went to the expense of filming in southwestern Colorado, arguably the state's most scenic part. Plus, the lead actors come through in vivid fashion—a charmingly affable Dan Dailey, a spunkily convincing Anne Baxter, and those two grand old grouches Walter Brennan and Will Wright. And shouldn't overlook Chief Yowlachie as the superbly deadpan Indian manikin.

Then too, the story's just wacky enough to separate from the oater pack. Seems a new railroad has to get to Tomahawk to qualify for an exclusive contract. Trouble is this would cause the stage line to go belly-up, so guess who's sabotaging the rail line's effort. And that's along with hostile Indians and 40 miles of missing track. Good thing toughie Baxter's along with her gunslinging skills, along with a pack train of sturdy horses.

I love dad Wright's effort at explaining the birds and the bees to his flummoxed daughter Baxter. Too often the actress over-emoted in her parts, but not here. She's near perfect as the thoroughly virginal tomboy, that is, until the winning Dailey teaches her how to "buss".

I guess my only reservation is with the Indian attack. It's much too conventional for a movie like this, and should have been finessed in slightly humorous fashion. Looks like it might have been included as a concession to audiences expecting something more traditional. Anyway, catch Marilyn Monroe in the fluffy yellow outfit among the four dancers getting a brief musical number. Overall, the elements come together in generally delightful fashion, making the movie something of a minor sleeper, thanks mainly to TCF's handsome budgeting and an outstanding cast.

Not a great deal to write home about here, this is safe, at times bright, but instantly forgettable fare. The plot basically revolves around a group of honest do good folk trying to get the monopoly on the transport rights by getting their train to an appointed destination in Colorado on time. Naturally the bad guy stagecoach owner wants to stop them, thus no threat to his money maker you see, so the good folk led by Kit Dodge Jr (a sort of Virginal Calamity Jane) have to contend with his underhand tricks and of course the peril provided by Indian raids.

Anne Baxter (Kit) is as cute as a button and most agreeable in the piece, the role is a sort of comedy version of her excellent serious role as Constance Mae 'Mike' in 1948s wonderful Yellow Sky. Joining Anne for this frothy train romp is Dan Dailey, Rory Calhoun and the always watchable Walter Brennan, whilst a mention has to be made that Marilyn Monroe appears in an uncredited role, see if you can spot her? Western purists will no doubt be lifted by the fact that Tonto himself (Chief Thundercloud) also appears, tho it has to be said that he looks rather bemused by it all. 5/10

While Blazing Saddles was one of the Western genres most successful comedies, A TICKET TO TOMAHAWK could have been a precursor to it. While the Mel Brooks blockbuster was stuffed with corny jokes, Tomahawk's humor was more subtle. And its writing therefore to me was more impressive, especially when you least expected it. When Dan Dailey kept shouting at his Indian chief friend, Crooked Knife, during an uprising, trying to identify himself, the Chief continued to shoot arrows at him. Character Madame Adelaide asks him--in the line of battle--"A friend of yours?" He replies, "Fair weather." This title tries to suck you in and use Marilyn Monroe's name value, but of course she had a very bit part. It had a fun cast, and besides the action and comedy, the bonus was the gorgeous Colorado scenery. I'd watch it again for all of that.

This movie came out four months after "Annie Get Your Gun" with Betty Hutton. Anne Baxter plays a female sharpshooter role quite similar Annie. It suggests that if Betty Hutton had not been available, Anne Baxter would have been an excellent second choice for Annie. While the movie isn't quite as good as Annie, it is a totally entertaining piece shot in gorgeous Technicolor. If 1950 hadn't been a year filled with great movies like "Sunset Boulevard," All About Eve" (with two terrific performances by Ms. Baxter and Betty Davis), "Samson and Delilah," and the aforementioned "Annie Get Your Gun," it is possible that this one would have picked up at least a few nominations.

Dan Dailey has never been better. He is totally relaxed and charming in his role as a salesman of "mustache cups," and subscriptions to the Saturday Evening Post. Anne Baxter plays her Annie type character with surprising ease and coolness. She seems totally natural when she takes the badge and town sheriff role from her wounded grandfather (wonderfully played by character actor Will Wright who appeared on over 60 television shows in the 1950s and early 60s).

Rory Calhoun looks much younger and far handsomer than he was starring in "The Texan" a decade later. This was the first of three movies he was in with Marilyn Monroe. This is Marilyn's debut film, unfortunately she's only in it for about five minute. It is also Western star Jack Elam's debut. Look quick, he's in it for less than minute. You can also catch Victor Sen Yung (Hop Sing on the 1960's Western "Bonanza"). Walter Brennan also has two or three nice small scenes.

If you're a "Maverick" television fan, this is a must see. While not the first comedy Western, this movie is probably closer to "Maverick" in tone and style than any other movie. Its even closer than James Stewart's "Destry Rides Again."

Dailey and Baxter giving great performances is the reason to watch, but the Technicolor, beautiful Colorado scenery, and bit parts by future stars is a lot of icing on this sweet little cake of a movie.

Buy the Ticket to Tomahawk and you've bought a comedy, a musical and action packed western all in one. The great adventure starts when the train has to go from Epitaph to Tomahawk through the Colorado Rockies with 40 miles of track gone, hostlile Indians and a gang of henchmen. Ann Baxter gives a riveting performance as deputy Marshal Kit Dodge Jr, who is better at tottin a gun or knife than the men folk. Dan Daily shows his multiple talents as Johnny Behind-the-Deuces. Daily is skillful at singing, joking and negotiating which comes in handy when dealing with Chief Thundercloud. Walter Brennan as Terence Sweeny has never been better as the frustrated engineer who got more than he bargained for. Rory Calhoun as the stagecoach promoter Dakota plays a tough balancing act as the hired hand trying to play both sides of the fence.

Tomahawk is notable for the debut of Marilyn Monroe in a walk-on cameo as a chorus showgirl and Western star Jack Elam. Also featured is Victor Sen Yung who was Hop Sing of "Bonanza" fame. Will Wright plays the crusty old codger he is well noted for. Pawnee (Chief Yowlachie) adds the much needed protection with his own tomahawk as the faithful deterrent. Rounding out an excellent cast are Connie Gilchrist as Madame Adelaide, Arthur Hunnicutt as Sad Eyes and Charles Kemper as Chuckity. Baxter and Monroe went on to appear in All About Eve together the same year.