The Ox-Bow Incident

The Ox-Bow Incident, a low-budget, western film noir, was adapted for the screen from Walter van Tilburg Clark’s famous novel of the same name.

The film examines frontier “justice” through a set of simple characters who represent different views and attitudes. At its heart are the violent actions of a criminal gang which ultimately lead to disaster. During the years when World War II was still in progress, the film was judged to be an on-screen projection of the destruction wrought by war. The film is enhanced by the masterful performances of its seasoned actors, while Henry Fonda, despite being the official lead, is careful to blend in with the ensemble.

One of the film’s striking qualities is its nod to the noir genre that was all the rage at the time. Because of its bleak message, the film was kept on the shelves by its hesitant producers for two years, but later garnered favourable reviews from the critics as an honest portrait of the period.

Ahmet Gürata

USA
75'
1943


Script
Lamar Trotti
Walter Van Tilburg Clark

Cinematography
Arthur C. Miller

Editing
Allen McNeil

Production
Lamar Trotti

Cast
Anthony Quinn
Dana Andrews
Harry Morgan
Henry Fonda
Mary Beth Hughes
William Eythe

Music
Cyril J. Mockridge

Awards
National Board of Review - USA - Best Film

Festivals
22nd Festival on Wheels
The Golden Age of Cinema with Reha Erdem