In anticipation of James Mangold’s remake, I saw Delmer Daves’s original film version of 3:10 to Yuma for the first time on DVD. I had seen the film on television many years previously, but on DVD I had the advantage of seeing it with the original wide screen aspect ratio. Daves’ film also has beautiful black and white photography, the stark contrasts emphasizing the dramatic aspects of the story.

Released fifty years ago this month, 3:10 to Yuma is as much a psychological drama as it is action film. The main plot of the story revolves around a struggling rancher, Dan Evans, who needing money to lease water rights for his ranch, volunteers to escort stagecoach robber Ben Wade, in exchange for $200. Evans has to face both the possible return of Wade’s gang to rescue their boss, as well as Wade’s tempting of Evans with more money than Evans could ever see otherwise . . . if Evan lets Wade escape.

Part of what makes the film interesting is that Wade is an extremely charming bad guy who unexpectedly shows his human side. He points out that he only shoots in self-defense, and makes Evans feel guilty for not being able to treat his wife “like a lady”. While the film is mostly dramatic, there are flashes of humor such as when Wade and his gang gather at a small town bar for drinks. Learning that most of the town takes a nap between one and two in the afternoon, Wade is informed by the comely barmaid that she takes her nap at two. Wade remarks that he came to the bar too early.

For those unfamiliar with the 1957 version, the star is Glenn Ford as Ben Wade. For a period of a little more than ten years from the Fifties through the early Sixties, Ford was a top star whose name automatically meant a film would get the studio greenlight. Van Heflin plays Dan Evans. Heflin may best be remembered for starring in another classic western, Shane. As the barmaid who temporarily distracts Wade, Felicia Farr has a small, but effective role. What I also like is seeing character actors such as Henry Jones as the town drunk who tries to redeem himself by also escorting Wade, and Richard Jaeckel as one of the members of Wade gang, the ruthless Charlie Prince. Some contemporary viewers may find some aspects of the 1957 film corny, such as the title song performed by Frankie Laine. Laine spoofed his role as cowboy balladeer almost twenty years later when he sang the title song for Blazing Saddles.

While the DVD has been around for awhile, now would be a good time to see or re-see the original 3:10 to Yuma. The new version is scheduled to open on September 7.