The Hanging Tree

A NEGLECTED MASTERPIECE! THANKFULLY, IT IS AVAILABLE ON DVD.
This psychological Western ranks as high as "High Noon", if not a little higher. It is truly a sublime work of art. The script, based on Dorothy M. Johnson's novel, is intelligently written by Wendall Mayes (Anatomy of Murder) & Hallstead Welles. Much of the movie is filmed in the beautiful Ahtanum and Nile Valleys, Yakima, Washington and director Delmer Davis shows a good eye for action and bold vistas. Shot in Technicolor and superbly acted by Gary Cooper, Maria Schell, Karl Malden and Ben Piazza, the film is artistically and visually stunning! A haunting title song by Jerry Livingston (nominated for Oscar) and dramatic music score by Max Steiner (Sergeant York, The Fountainhead) complement the unforgettable story.

It is 1873, the Gold Trail, Montana. People from all walks of life are coming to small miners camp in hope to strike gold. Among them is Doctor Joe Frail. A complex man. A survivor of the ultimate betrayal that left him emotionally damaged. An excellent doctor,...

Abused Classic
While this Gary Cooper gem is a must have classic, I would recomend waiting for a U.S. release. The DVD seems to have been copied from a video tape source, with just a passable picture and the sound has an annoying amount of noise present. Only buy this copy if you just can't wait and HAVE to have it. The five stars are for the story, not the copy.

Will someone explain why this film is not available!??
This last time I saw this film, which was probably 15 or 20 years ago, it was excellent!
The scenery was breathtaking, and it was Gary Cooper in color!
I remember reading it was George C. Scott's first film, too.
Somebody has the rights to this film, and I guess they're holding out for big bucks. So what.
Does anyone think we'll pay $50 for a DVD? Or $80 for an obsolete VHS? C'mon, people!
The Hanging Tree is a good story, the film was done well and it affords great entertainment.
But, "whomever you are," if you wait long enough--no one will care. If you wait another 15 or 20 years, not enough of us will be around who care.
Can you imagine if there was a Rudolph Valentino film which had not been seen in 50 years? There would be a short line at the Box Office for that one!

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