The 1948 version of this Peter B. Kyne novella is a change from the 1930 and 1936 versions. Comparisons with the 1936 version have been made but like athletic performances in different eras, comparisons of movies made in different eras are often like the proverbial 'apples and oranges' comparisons. The opinion of the viewer also changes with the advent of maturity.
Although I never saw the original silent version 'Marked Men'(1919), I have had the opportunity to view the 1930 version 'Hell's Heroes' with Charles Bickford, Raymond Hatton and Fred Kohler,the 1936 version with Chester Morris, Lewis Stone and Walter Brennan, and the 1948 version with John Wayne, Pedro Armendariz and Harry Carey,Jr. The 1936 version was viewed when I was a teenager. The story by Peter B. Kyne was also read at that time. It left an indelible mark until the last decade or two when both the 1930 and 1948 versions were seen.
Unlike most viewers, I am disappointed that the 1948 version settled for a 'happy ending'. I feel that it destroyed the author's intent. John Wayne's demise in this 1948 movie might have affected the box office draw but it remains a disappointment to this movie fan that the author's ending was changed. I thought the point of the drinking of the poisoned water was to focus on the hero's conversion. It is not the first time that the author's intent has been subordinated to please the public but in this case, wasn't the point of this story about making the ultimate sacrifice?
This should not detract from Wayne's performance which was excellent. The film is still well worth seeing and enjoying.
Although I never saw the original silent version 'Marked Men'(1919), I have had the opportunity to view the 1930 version 'Hell's Heroes' with Charles Bickford, Raymond Hatton and Fred Kohler,the 1936 version with Chester Morris, Lewis Stone and Walter Brennan, and the 1948 version with John Wayne, Pedro Armendariz and Harry Carey,Jr. The 1936 version was viewed when I was a teenager. The story by Peter B. Kyne was also read at that time. It left an indelible mark until the last decade or two when both the 1930 and 1948 versions were seen.
Unlike most viewers, I am disappointed that the 1948 version settled for a 'happy ending'. I feel that it destroyed the author's intent. John Wayne's demise in this 1948 movie might have affected the box office draw but it remains a disappointment to this movie fan that the author's ending was changed. I thought the point of the drinking of the poisoned water was to focus on the hero's conversion. It is not the first time that the author's intent has been subordinated to please the public but in this case, wasn't the point of this story about making the ultimate sacrifice?
This should not detract from Wayne's performance which was excellent. The film is still well worth seeing and enjoying.