MovieChat Forums > Cimarron (1961) Discussion > Did You Prefer This To The Original?

Did You Prefer This To The Original?


I did not know this movie is a remake. The original was made in 1931 starring Irene Dunne!

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I did not like either version. However, I am more willing to make allowances for the 1931 version, both in style and content, that I am unwilling to make for the 1960 version.

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Whatever you may think of either version, you'd have to admit that the 1960 version has some beautiful colour cinematography.

But you ARE Blanche ... and I AM.

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They are both fine films.

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bear022013-909-645034 says > They are both fine films.
I agree they're both good movies but I prefer this version, the remake. For one, there were a few plot changes that I thought worked better for the story. I also liked the lead character, Cim, a lot better. I found him more sympathetic in the newer version and I understood his reason behind his actions. In the original I got the sense that he was selfish and irresponsible.

For me Sabra was a far more likable character in the original. In this movie she's annoying, selfish, and prejudiced. In the original, they had a daughter who took on the role of the snob. She was the one who objected to her brother's marriage to an Indian girl and she was the one who craved social status. In this version, Sabra's behavior helped to driver her husband away. She wanted the trappings of wealth and position and didn't care if he abandoned his values in the process.

I was really surprised to learn that this version failed at the box office but I guess I wasn't surprised. I enjoyed the movie but I already knew the story and was interested in seeing how it had been updated.

In 1960 audiences probably wanted more razzle dazzle, controversy, and sex. Times had changed quite a bit and this movie didn't seem to fit the times. Had Cim gotten involved with Dixie Lee, and was carrying on a torrid affair with her, audience may have been a lot more receptive. Ford got the blame for the movie's failure instead of the filmmakers who chose to make the movie at the wrong time.

To be fair, I like Glen Ford and Irene Dunne. That may be why I liked Cim better in this movie and I liked Sabra better in the original. Then again, it could be the actors did a better playing those roles.


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

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