MovieChat Forums > Across the Wide Missouri (1951) Discussion > Really Good Film, But Should Have Been L...

Really Good Film, But Should Have Been Longer...

posted 16 years ago by JohnnyWeissmuller
3 replies | jump to latest

Across the Wide Missouri is usually touted for its scenery and cinematography, but beneath all the cuts and edits is a film epic in scope just dying to break out. I have read that the film was cut extensively prior to release - if this is the case, it's such a shame, more so if we'll never see a longer edit. Gable was fine in the lead, a spirited performance, and the rest of the cast played their parts well. The end is crushing, and hits home hard and despite its shortcomings, this film is more than a mere time-filler, but could have been great...

NOW TARZAN MAKE WAR!

[–] tbrittreid 14 years ago

I have seen the long version. When the film was syndicated in the 1960s, KPRC-TV, Channel 2 (NBC affiliate), in Houston, Texas, received--presumably by accident--a print for which they cleared at least two and a half hours (with commerials) to air. At the time I had no idea how lucky I was, but was shocked when only a much shorter version would turn up beginning in the 1970s. Not just shorter, but some of what was still there was in a different order! However, despite the claim in the Trivia note, Howard Keel's narration was heard there, too (BTW, he does so as the Gable character's son, years later). Were there three versions?

The GREEN HORNET Strikes Again!

[–] waldenpond88 13 years ago

Does anybody know if (and where) this long version from "Across the Wide Missouri" is still around?
TV stations usually don't answer their e-mails. At least whenever I tried to contact one, I never heard back from them.
But in case somebody knows more, I would love to hear about it.
This was one of the most beautiful movies I've seen in my life. What would I give for watching the extended version one day!!!

[–] eddie-fendel 8 years ago

It's a beautiful Western with stunning scenery. Gable is great as usual as the lead. What a charismatic film star he was. Maria Elena Marques was lovely as his Indian wife and delivered an excellent performance. The ending is sad and the scenes between Gable and his son growing up are very touching. I always well up at the end. Don't make 'em like this any more.