DVD Corner

Devil’s Doorway Blu-ray Review

“Devil’s Doorway” is a historically important western. 

Written by Guy Trosper, “Devil’s Doorway” is a 1950 western that revolves around Lance Poole- A Shoshone Indian Civil War hero who was awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honor. Lance returns home to Wyoming with the dream of raising cattle on his land, but his homecoming is plagued with tragedies. His father passes away and he soon discovers that Wyoming law states that he doesn’t in fact own the land he’s on as Native Americans are not American citizens nor do they have property rights. As such, others are free to homestead on the land. Lance attempts to fight this by hiring a lawyer (Orrie Masters) but to no avail. To make matters worse, a racist Lawyer (Verne Coolan) is doing everything in his power to drive away Lance and the Shoshone people.

Director Anthony Mann was no stranger to westerns having helmed many classics in the genre such as “Winchester ‘73,” “The Furies,” and “The Naked Spur.” With “Devil’s Doorway,” Mann created an important western that has somehow become overlooked over the years. Unlike many films of the time period, ‘Doorway’ focuses on the Native American perspective in a post Civil War period as we see their traditions, dreams, hardships, and mistreatment. It’s a truly heartbreaking and tragic story that explores injustice, racism, and America’s dark and shameful past that should not be forgotten.

From a cinematic standpoint, the film is a visual treat thanks to the cinematography by Conrad E. Nervig. The gorgeous landscapes filmed in Colorado, the unpleasant atmosphere to the saloon, and the explosive climactic battle scenes are all perfectly captured.

If the film has any shortcomings it’s the casting of Robert Taylor as a Shoshone Indian. Don’t get me wrong, the actor turns in a solid and dedicated performance, but seeing a Caucasian actor portray Lance Poole undercuts the whole premise in my eyes. Luckily, there are a number of Native American actors in supporting roles. The other notable performances here are by Louis Calhern as the loathsome scumbag Lawyer Verne Coolan and Paula Raymond as the kind female Lawyer Orrie Masters in a male dominated profession taking on her first case.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? The B&W film looks a little fuzzy in spots, but otherwise Warner Archive once again delivers a crisp hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The audio has noticeable flaws, but the track is still adequate as a whole.

Extras include the original theatrical trailer and two cartoons titled “The Chump Champ” and “Cue Ball Cat.”

May 1, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Anthony Mann, Devil's Doorway Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive, western