RELEASED IN 1954 and directed by Anthony Mann, "The Far Country" stars Jimmy Stewart as a self-centered cattleman, Jeff Webster, who conflicts with a crooked, self-appointed lawman (John McIntire) while driving cattle through Skagway, Alaska, to Dawson during the 1896 Klondike gold rush. Ruth Roman plays a formidable woman he meets on the steamship, who unfortunately works for Gannon (McIntire). Walter Brennan plays Jeff's best friend while Corinne Calvet plays a tough foreign settler with romantic inclinations.

This was the fourth of five Westerns Mann did with Stewart. These were uncompromisingly harsh, psychological Westerns featuring themes of revenge, obsession, rage and redemption. They were spectacularly shot on location, rather than in the studio, providing a backdrop of authentic rugged beauty. This one was shot in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, with one episode involving Athabasca Glacier.

The opening sequence on the steamship is memorable for the way Jeff (Stewart) escapes ship authorities with the assistance of Ruth Roman's character. Roman is stalwart, stunning and surprisingly vivacious (for her role as a woman in the rough NW wilderness). Gannon (McIntire) is an interesting antagonist due to the way he joyfully basks in his power and overt corruption.

THE MOVIE RUNS 97 minutes. WRITER: Borden Chase. ADDITIONAL CAST: Jay C. Flippen, Harry Morgan and Jack Elam.

GRADE: B

This is one of my least favorite films that James Stewart made during the 1950s. Why? Well, because unlike most of his western characters, this one is NOT a good guy. In fact, he's completely amoral and indifferent to the suffering and injustices done to others. He only acts when he personally is involved--even allowing those close to him to suffer immensely.

The film is set in Alaska and the Yukon during the gold rush of the late 19th and early 20th century. Although the setting is different, the film is essentially a very traditional western. There is the usual formulaic bad boss-man (John McIntire) who tries to take over the land and cheat all the poor people out of their land--probably the most common theme in westerns. And, of course, he has his evil sidekicks. And the hero, of sorts, has his own sidekick--the always reliable Walter Brennan. In fact, it's all so very formulaic that I won't bother to elaborate further.

The bottom line is that there is nothing particularly new here and Stewart is almost unlikable! Because of this, despite nice location shooting and decent production values, this is a rather joyless film. Watchable, but not especially fun.

It's 1896 Seattle. Skilled gunslinger Jeff Webster (James Stewart) arrives with his cattle herd and heads for the Klondike gold rush with his friend Ben Tatem (Walter Brennan). He's a wanted man. They get in trouble with Judge Gannon (John McIntire) and get arrested. The Judge releases them after seizing all their cattle. Webster is befriended by saloon owner Ronda Castle and young Renee Vallon. He insists on not sticking out his neck for anybody else until he could take no more from the Judge.

This is a standard old fashion western with James Stewart. It is interesting that Webster is so selfish but it allows his character to grow. Stewart is always the cinematic lead and has the range to pull it off. I expected more romance between him and Ronda. I'm surprised with a piece of the ending. All in all, this is solid but not extraordinary.