Westward the Women (Blu-ray)

This fascinatingly unusual western was a real pleasant surprise. It's a got kind of a dopey premise: in California, a group of men have built a prosperous farming community - they have everything. Except women to raise families! So they hire Robert Taylor to head back east to Chicago, sign women up, and guide them back to Cali. Lots of women sign up - and you thought today's dating apps require a leap of faith! Now Robert Taylor has to read them on the incredible dangerous and long journey to California

There are some lighthearted, comedic parts. But then there are some incredibly harrowing, nail biting sections of the film. There is one HELL of an insane wagon crash! They have no choice but to line the next wagon up to go down the same steep, rocky incline and hope for better results this time - it's the only way. Taylor has to make sure none of his cowboys "interfere" with the women. Meanwhile he is catching feelings for one of the ladies himself. Some of the women prove to have a talent for shooting, driving wagons, etc.

This premise had the potential to be real problematic for today's viewers. But it is handled deftly by director William Wellman and the script, with warmth and humanity. I adore moves that can do unpredictable tonal shifts and this does that. It is a real gem that I'd never even heard of until Warner Archive released it. Obviously, their restoration is impeccable, the video and sound is remarkable. That pretty much goes without saying with Warner…