THE HALLELUJAH TRAIL REVIEWED
“The Hallelujah Trail” was a roadshow presentation in Ultra Panavision 70mm. Unfortunately, it was a Western comedy that was coming at the end of the Big Hollywood Roadshow era. Add onto that, the film was nearly 3 hours long. What’s it all about? Well, Donald Pleasence guides a town in how to handle their need for liquor. This leads to the US Military guiding a wagon train of liquor to 19th century Denver. Throw in a spiel about temperance and Lee Remick looking all hot and young.
There’s no reason for this film to be so long. Most of the jokes land flat and the better characters get shuffled off into the periphery. Hell, I forgot that Martin Landau was even in the film. Also, what was the deal with the Sioux Indians? They’re going to raid the firewater or they’re just going to comment on the dumb white people? Ultimately, it’s a story about how whiny women just need to learn to love marital bliss. Donald Pleasence gets to save the film in the coda, but even that feels out of place. I love John Sturges, but so much of the movie just felt like it was shot for other things.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Nothing
A/V STATS
- 2.35:1 1080p transfer
- DTS-HD MONO