Hot half-breed Jennifer Jones (as Pearl Chavez) goes to live with her family of Caucasian cousins, after her parents' passionate demise. At the Texas ranch, Ms. Jones' low-cut dresses and shimmering tresses immediately arouse the McCanles brothers: nasty Gregory Peck (as Lewt) and nice Joseph Cotten (as Jesse). Kindly matriarch Lillian Gish (as Laura Belle McCanles) accepts, and comforts, Jones; she once had a passion for Jones' father. Wheelchair-bound patriarch Lionel Barrymore (as Jackson McCanles) thinks Jones is trashy, due to her mixed race. And, Jones agrees...
In "Duel in the Sun", producer David O. Selznick's slip is showing; and, it is firmly attached to Jennifer Jones. The actress, with her body make-up and florescent teeth, looks lovely but ludicrous. Playing the film's central character, Jones needed to be more convincing than overwrought. Suffering less among the all-star cast are Ms. Gish and Mr. Peck. Gish, consistent and convincing, fits the film like a glove; and, she looks like she should be playing more passionate, leading roles. Peck is uneven, but valiant throughout; and, he does a great Clark Gable impression when he catches Jones swimming...
Star-studded and overproduced, with a killer ending; "Duel in the Sun" is, on that level, a lot of fun. Albeit unintentional, it's a classic send-up of its type.
******* Duel in the Sun (12/31/46) King Vidor ~ Jennifer Jones, Gregory Peck, Lillian Gish, Joseph Cotten
In "Duel in the Sun", producer David O. Selznick's slip is showing; and, it is firmly attached to Jennifer Jones. The actress, with her body make-up and florescent teeth, looks lovely but ludicrous. Playing the film's central character, Jones needed to be more convincing than overwrought. Suffering less among the all-star cast are Ms. Gish and Mr. Peck. Gish, consistent and convincing, fits the film like a glove; and, she looks like she should be playing more passionate, leading roles. Peck is uneven, but valiant throughout; and, he does a great Clark Gable impression when he catches Jones swimming...
Star-studded and overproduced, with a killer ending; "Duel in the Sun" is, on that level, a lot of fun. Albeit unintentional, it's a classic send-up of its type.
******* Duel in the Sun (12/31/46) King Vidor ~ Jennifer Jones, Gregory Peck, Lillian Gish, Joseph Cotten