Marilyn Monroe gives Robert Mitchum a piece of her mind. Image: Western Double
Sometimes it’s hard to concentrate on a film when it’s set in a stunning location.
We were mulling this over when we saw the western drama River of No Return (1954), starring Robert Mitchum, Marilyn Monroe, and the Canadian Rockies.
Mitchum and Monroe star as mismatched traveling companions who find themselves on a raft, navigating a ferocious mountain river to (A) escape angry men, and (B) seek justice.
This is an oversimplification of the plot, which also serves as a Redemption Story, because ex-con Mitchum has the Uncomfortable Task of telling his nine year-old son he killed a man. He also realizes Monroe, a provocative dance hall singer, is a woman of Strength and Principle, and (surprise!) he falls in love with her.
In some ways, River of No Return feels like a lengthy movie, even though it’s only 91 minutes. However, the river scenes are exciting – if you can pretend some of them aren’t done in a studio – and the premise is interesting enough.
You’ll notice, though, the two-sided interpretation of the “Possession is 9/10ths of the Law” rule. Mitchum’s character lives on a piece of land that’s Rightfully His because he cleared it; he can shoot anyone who Interferes. Yet, when someone appropriates his horse and gun, there’s Trouble.
Truthfully, we’re ambivalent towards this movie. We like it well enough, but we don’t love it. We’re distracted by the very scenery the script takes for granted.
The film is set in the Pacific Northwest so our view is, admittedly, unreasonable: We dislike that it doesn’t reflect our love of the Canadian Rockies.
Monroe gives a little concert. Image: Peculias Google One
Once upon a time, we lived in the Canadian Rockies. It has its inconveniences, such as rutting elk and heavy snowfall, but it’s also an incredibly sensory place. The way pine trees smell after a rain, or the way the wind makes a forest sound like the ocean.
In our opinion, the mountains never look the same morning to evening, especially when the alpenglow touches the peaks near the end of a summer’s day, or when the first rays of sunlight brush them pink on a sharp winter’s morning.
These are things of which a person never tires, and they’re difficult to put into a movie. Even so, with River of No Return, filmmakers have tried to showcase as much mountain beauty as possible.
Our pal, Bosley Crowther of the New York Times, had trouble deciding who was more ravishing in this CinemaScope film – Monroe or the Rockies. “It is a toss-up whether the scenery or the adornment of Marilyn Monroe is the feature of greater attraction in River of No Return,” he wrote. “The mountainous scenery is spectacular, but so, in her own way, is Miss Monroe”¹
What bothers us is the story isn’t greatly influenced by this majestic setting. Frankly, it’s a melodrama that could take place on any river in any wilderness.
Our question is: How can these characters be in such an exquisite environment yet remain largely unaffected by its grandeur?
Fun and games on the studio tank. Image: DVD Beaver
River of No Return was a troubled production. Both Monroe and director Otto Preminger disliked the script, and each made significant career decisions as a result. Monroe refused to do westerns until The Misfits (1961), and Preminger bought out his studio contract for a reported $150,000.²
Monroe also sprained her ankle during filming, so some of the raft scenes had to be shot carefully to conceal her injury.
But she also became something of a sensation in the small Rocky Mountain town of Jasper, Alberta, where the crew spent three weeks. In this CTV interview, locals remember Monroe’s visit with fondness.
And here’s a random Fun Fact: According to IMDb, this was a first movie to use a blood squib when a character is shot with a rifle.
Many feel this is an underrated film that doesn’t get the respect it deserves. We do recommend River of No Return if you’re a Monroe or Mitchum (or Preminger) completest, or if you like Westerns.
Have you spent time in the Canadian (or American) Rockies? If so, how do you feel about this film?
River of No Return: starring Robert Mitchum, Marilyn Monroe, Rory Calhoun. Directed by Otto Preminger & Jean Negulesco. Written by Frank Fenton & Louis Lantz. Twentieth Century-Fox, 1954, Colour, 91 mins.
Thank you so much for including us in your post about the Rockies! Glad you share our love of this beautiful part of Canada. I saw this movie a long time ago, but now I think I should rewatch it. Maggie
Thanks for dropping by! I really enjoy your travel adventures – whether in Canada or overseas. You’ve written such wonderful things about the Canadian Rockies, that I wanted to “share” you with others!
River of No Return is a rather underrated little gem, and so nice to hear you insight into the Rockies. I’ve always wanted to visit Canada, hopefully I will one day. 🙂
It’s a shame when a film like this doesn’t take full advantage of its scenic location. And while I always make allowances for classic films and the technical compromises they had to make, I’m still often taken out of the movie somewhat when I see beautiful location shots juxtaposed with studio-bound ones or rear-projected scenery. Still, River of No Return is a good choice, and features a different sort of role for Monroe.
I completely agree. Like you said, studios couldn’t film everything on an actual raging river, but it does feel like a rip-off when they use the rear-screen projection, doesn’t it?
As for Marilyn M., she is terrific in this film. It’s a different role for her, as you pointed out, and it really suits her.
I remember seeing this film and also only liking, not loving it.
Your description of the Canadian Rockies made me want to see it someday, even though I dislike the cold. I hope the magic remains on summer days.
Great review, my friend!
Le
Thanks, Le. The summers can be very warm, although the temperature drops as soon as the sun goes down at night. Even so, I hope you get the opportunity to visit. I’d love to be your tour guide!
Wonderful movie! I love western and I love Marylin, so to me that’s just perfection. And I remember the song, One Silver Dollar (…changing hands, changing lives…). Beautiful!
I keep saying “Wow, ” in everyone’s comments, but all the scenery is amazing. I’m going to have to look for this movie. Thanks again for joining, Ruth–it’s a pleasure, as always.
This is such a good idea for a blogathon. Not only does a person discover new films, we learn about other places – and more about the bloggers who live(d) there. I enjoy all your blogathons, but this one was extra special.
I’ve travelled through and visited in the Canadian Rockies a few times, but I never got as far north as Jasper. I get your description of how the sun changes the mountain scenery all day long. I’m actually remembering the time we were in Osoyoos; the way the sunlight played with the mountains and lake was breathtaking. I confess I found it a bit distracting when the movie switched to studio backdrops on scenes.
Hi. Of her movies I’ve seen, my favorite is The Misfits. Great movie. She’s excellent in it. Was it her final movie, and Gable’s too? I’ll have to look that up.
Yup, The Misfits was the final movie for both Monroe and Gable, and it was one of Montgomery Clift’s last movies. (Clift would die only 5 years later.)
The Misfits has a lot going on in that film, doesn’t it? It’s haunting and memorable.
Love your wonderful descriptions of the Canadian scenery, Ruth! Like you, I didn’t find this a favorite, but I always find that Monroe is worth watching. Love her “Down in the Meadow” number too ❤
Have you read Marilyn: August 1953 by LOOK photographer John Vachon? It is a wonderful book of location photographs from the River of No Return film shoot.
I have never seen this film, although I’m a huge Marilyn fan. I happen to be reading her biography right now — hopefully I’ll get a chance to check this one out when I finish.
Silver Screenings 
Thank you so much for including us in your post about the Rockies! Glad you share our love of this beautiful part of Canada. I saw this movie a long time ago, but now I think I should rewatch it. Maggie
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Thanks for dropping by! I really enjoy your travel adventures – whether in Canada or overseas. You’ve written such wonderful things about the Canadian Rockies, that I wanted to “share” you with others!
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We really appreciate it 😊
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River of No Return is a rather underrated little gem, and so nice to hear you insight into the Rockies. I’ve always wanted to visit Canada, hopefully I will one day. 🙂
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Oh, I hope you can come to Canada! When you do, you must MUST visit the Rockies. You won’t regret it.
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It’s a shame when a film like this doesn’t take full advantage of its scenic location. And while I always make allowances for classic films and the technical compromises they had to make, I’m still often taken out of the movie somewhat when I see beautiful location shots juxtaposed with studio-bound ones or rear-projected scenery. Still, River of No Return is a good choice, and features a different sort of role for Monroe.
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I completely agree. Like you said, studios couldn’t film everything on an actual raging river, but it does feel like a rip-off when they use the rear-screen projection, doesn’t it?
As for Marilyn M., she is terrific in this film. It’s a different role for her, as you pointed out, and it really suits her.
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I love this one so much. Wish Marilyn and Robert had made more films together. Love her performance.
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Marilyn and Robert had GREAT chemistry, didn’t they? If only…
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I watched this movie many years ago. I should watch it again now I know it was filmed in the rocky mountains of Canada.
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The scenery is breathtaking in this film. It makes me want to drop everything and go visit!
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Lovely post Ruth and such wonderful vivid descriptions… never been there but want to now.
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I hope you get the chance to visit the Canadian Rockies sometime, Gill. They’re stunning, but not overwhelming. Well worth the trip!
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I definitely should venture over there one day you make it sound so idyllic.
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I remember seeing this film and also only liking, not loving it.
Your description of the Canadian Rockies made me want to see it someday, even though I dislike the cold. I hope the magic remains on summer days.
Great review, my friend!
Le
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Thanks, Le. The summers can be very warm, although the temperature drops as soon as the sun goes down at night. Even so, I hope you get the opportunity to visit. I’d love to be your tour guide!
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Wonderful movie! I love western and I love Marylin, so to me that’s just perfection. And I remember the song, One Silver Dollar (…changing hands, changing lives…). Beautiful!
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You’re right – the One Silver Dollar song is beautiful and uplifting. I hope you get the chance to see this movie. The scenery is anazing!
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Let’s be honest…Marilyn Monroe might have stuck out just a wee bit in Jasper, Alberta…
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Haha! You know it!
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I keep saying “Wow, ” in everyone’s comments, but all the scenery is amazing. I’m going to have to look for this movie. Thanks again for joining, Ruth–it’s a pleasure, as always.
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This is such a good idea for a blogathon. Not only does a person discover new films, we learn about other places – and more about the bloggers who live(d) there. I enjoy all your blogathons, but this one was extra special.
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I’m so glad you liked it! It was really fun.
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I’ve travelled through and visited in the Canadian Rockies a few times, but I never got as far north as Jasper. I get your description of how the sun changes the mountain scenery all day long. I’m actually remembering the time we were in Osoyoos; the way the sunlight played with the mountains and lake was breathtaking. I confess I found it a bit distracting when the movie switched to studio backdrops on scenes.
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I’m with you. I find it VERY distracting when the film switches to studio rear-projection in this film.
It’s been a long time since I was in Osoyoos. What a beautiful area! I loved it there.
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Hi. Of her movies I’ve seen, my favorite is The Misfits. Great movie. She’s excellent in it. Was it her final movie, and Gable’s too? I’ll have to look that up.
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Yup, The Misfits was the final movie for both Monroe and Gable, and it was one of Montgomery Clift’s last movies. (Clift would die only 5 years later.)
The Misfits has a lot going on in that film, doesn’t it? It’s haunting and memorable.
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Love your wonderful descriptions of the Canadian scenery, Ruth! Like you, I didn’t find this a favorite, but I always find that Monroe is worth watching. Love her “Down in the Meadow” number too ❤
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Yeah, Marilyn has a way of making this film work as much as it does. Plus, she has some fab gowns!
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Have you read Marilyn: August 1953 by LOOK photographer John Vachon? It is a wonderful book of location photographs from the River of No Return film shoot.
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No, sadly, I haven’t read it, or come across it. But now that you’ve mentioned it, I must have it!
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I hope you can find a copy. It’s a beautiful book.
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I have never seen this film, although I’m a huge Marilyn fan. I happen to be reading her biography right now — hopefully I’ll get a chance to check this one out when I finish.
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Which Marilyn biography are you reading? How do you like it?
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