The Limited Edition Film Reviews - Three Godfathers (1936)

On DVD - "Three Godfathers" (1936) - Three bank robbing outlaws, the eloquent and philosophical "Doc" (Lewis Stone), the slick, callous, black-clad gunslinger, "Bob" (Chester Morris), and the the affable, grizzled "Gus" (Walter Brennan) set out across an expansive desert in an effort to elude a hot-on-their trails posse only to find an infant and its dying mother stranded amongst the burning sands.  Bob is hell-bent on abandoning the child, though the remaining duo are determined to bring it to safety... no matter what the cost.

The performances are perfect for the era and narrative setting; while most will be taken with Stone's tender, intellectual turn as "Doc", whose recital of a certain popular Shakespearean quote really cements the classiness and poignancy of the picture, I felt it was the dynamic presence of Chester Morris's unsympathetic rogue that shines through- he's a very bad sort that ultimately reaches down into the ashes of his soul to fan the dying embers of humanity for one final, long overdue act of compassion. Walter Brennan, one of the finest, most dependable character actors to have ever graced the silver screen, is pitch-perfect in support.

Expect most of the staples of a Western tale playing out in a desert setting, including rattlesnakes, gila monsters, poisoned water holes and parched lips-  matters grow most grim as the relentless heat, coupled with precious little water to spare, begins to take its toll on the trio.  There are no skirmishes with Indians, there are no elaborate gunfights and don't expect the cavalry to come roaring over the horizon to save the day- this is a character-driven tale of redemption. 

There have been several film versions of Peter B. Kyne's novel (of the same name), with most classic film lovers familiar with Director John Ford's 1948 retelling, "3 Godfathers" (1948), starring John Wayne, Pedro Armendariz and Harry Carey Jr.- I loved it and it's also highly recommended, though I believe this '36 version to be ever-so-slightly superior as it's ending is leaner and thus far more effective. 

Highly Recommended- Just because you've "never heard of it" doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile and just because "it's old" is no good reason not to check it out.

9.5 out of 10

Director: Richard Boleslawski
Cast: Chester Morris, Lewis Stone, Walter Brennan and Irene Hervey
Run-Time: 81 minutes
MPAA: NA