"Branded" is a winner!

From Alan Ladd’s performance as Choya, bandit turned heir, to the brilliant performances of Charles Bickford, Mona Freeman, Robert Keith, Peter Hanson, Selena Boyle and Tom Tully, this Evan Evans tale of thief to redeemer-protector keeps you glued to the screen. Whether it’s the breathtaking scenery of New Mexico and Arizona, or the outstanding performances, this film stays with you.

"Branded" is the story of Choya, bandit-thief on the run from the law. He poses as the long lost son of Lavery, a wealthy rancher in a last ditch effort to escape and steal one million dollars. What he doesn’t know is that Lavery and his wife are fine folks, and that Ruth, their daughter, has made Choyas’ heart soar. Finding himself guilty over his deception, he heads out to find the real son. His quest takes him into Mexico, and into the hills where he finds Tonio! However, being raised by a Mexica bandit, he has forgotten his real parents, and resists the journey home. Choya forces Tonio to travel with him, and even with the Mexican banditos on their trail, they arrive at the ranch. The bandits surround the ranch, and Choya convinces Rubriz to leave his ‘son’ at the ranch. Ruth confesses her love to Choya "I’m going with you...besides I’m pretty", and with that, his redemption is complete.

I watched this film on a big screen projector, and I was wowed! With westerns, the unspoken cast member is always the scenery, and the buttes and foothills of New Mexico/Arizona should receive honorary Oscars! Every element combines to make this production one of the best westerns I have seen. The quality of the writing, acting, and production mesh beautifully.

Evan Evans has written a story full of themes as big as the wilderness that it was filmed in. Drawing parallels to the biblical story of Ruth (the kinsmen-redeemer-redeemed), Ruth and Boaz (Ruth/Choya) have switched places. It is Ruth who redeems, not Choya, but Choya is the instrument of the redemption (by bringing Tonio back). Rubriz keeps saying, blood is not family, raising a child is, yet the value of both is upheld. Family is loving enough to accept both.

Ladds’ performance as Choya is outstanding. He captures the morally ambigious persona perfectly, and with that sets the stage for Shane. Both roles exhibit his intensity and dedication to his craft.

What more can I say about Branded? I loved it!

Pick it up at your local video retailer or online at www.paramount.com/homeentertainment .

I remain,
Tumbleweed

 

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