The Tall Men (1955)
Release Date: September 22, 1955
Directed by: Raoul Walsh
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Costarring:
Jane Russell
Robert Ryan
Available on DVD in The Clark Gable Collection Vol. 1
DearMrGable.com’s Movie of the Month, November 2011
10th Anniversary Celebration Movie of the Week, April 22, 2019
Gable is Ben Allison, who along with his brother (Cameron Mitchell), join a cattle drive from Texas to Montana in 1866, headed by Nathan (Ryan). On the way, they save Nella (Russell) from an Indian attack and she joins them on the journey. Ben and Nella share a cabin to ride out a blizzard and fall in love. Soon they realize that they have different futures in mind–Ben wants a ranch and a small family life, while Nella wants excitement–and they part ways, not amicably. Nella cozies up to Nathan and tension arises for the rest of the journey.
Quote-able Gable
“Looks like we’re getting close to civilization.” first line
“I figured you might be in a trading mood.”
“You know something, when a woman looks pretty at sun-up then she’s really pretty.”
“I got words I ain’t ever used.”
“Can’t afford to have a frozen woman on my hands.”
“Funny thing, two months ago the only future I had was the wrong end of a rope.”
“I just wanted to see if you’re the same girl I’ve been kissin’. You ain’t.”
“Nothing like a cold bath to make a boy feel like a man.”
“Take cover and start using that rifle!”
“I never trust any man who figures percentages as close as you do.”
“Some other time.” last line
Behind the Scenes
Shot on location in Durango, Mexico.
Kay Williams and her children visited Gable on location. He proposed to her soon after filming wrapped.