Wonderful Westerns: ‘Breakheart Pass’ (1975)
Have you ever thought to yourself, “What would happen if Agatha Christie wrote a murder mystery set in the Old West?” Well, wonder no more! This was answered with the novel-turned-movie Breakheart Pass. The original book was published in 1974 and was written by the late popular thriller writer Alistair MacLean, who also wrote many acclaimed novels, including: The Guns of Navarone, Ice Station Zebra, Where Eagles Dare and River of Death — all of which were adapted to film.
This time around, we’ll be looking at the film adaption of Breakheart Pass which was directed by Tom Gries, and how it bares similar features to the Agatha Christie-related films that came out around the same time.
Before we continue, let me make one thing clear: I am not claiming that this movie or book is ripping off Christie’s work, nor am I saying that this movie is an attempt to mooch off the success of the then recently released Murder on the Orient Express (1974). But there are similarities that are worth noting in this underrated film.
One thing that this film has in common with Murder on the Orient Express and the other major Chrisie-adapted film Death on the Nile (1978) is the all-star cast.
With this film, we have our lead played by Charles Bronson, who was sort of the ’70s and ’80s equivalent of Liam Neeson in that he had some good dramatic roles, but he’ll probably always be remember for his action roles. In the film, he plays the mysterious John Deakin, who at first seems to be on the wrong side of the law, but as the film progresses, the audience begins to suspect otherwise. Bronson fulfills this role really well, as one would expect. I don’t think Bronson gets enough credit when it comes to acting. He was no Laurence Olivier, but he always gave great and charisma-oozing performances, even during the lesser Death Wish movies of the ’80s.
But Bronson isn’t the only major actor actor in the film; it also includes Richard Crenna (best known as C0l. Trautman from the Rambo series) as Gov. Fairbanks, and Bronson’s then-wife Jill Ireland as Fairbanks’ fiancee. (Ireland would be the female lead in many of Bronson’s film up until her untimely death.)
The film also stars — fresh off his win for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars (The Last Picture Show) — Ben Johnson as the local sheriff who escorts the supposed outlaw Deakin; the King of Character Actors himself Charles Durning; the future Big Lebowski, David Huddleston; Ed Lauter as the determined cavalry officer, Maj. Claremont; Bill McKinney as the accusing Rev. Peabody; and professional boxer Archie Moore. Basically almost every colorful character actor at the time showed up in this project. What’s not to love?
Another thing this film does similarly to Christie’s work — specifically Murder on the Orient Express — is give the setting a sense of isolation. Sure, they aren’t trapped in the snow like in Orient Express, but the snowy environment does create a sense that these characters are on their own with this murderer. With every twist and turn, the suspense grows and grows. Also, their destination is occupied by hostile forces.
Like any good mystery, I dare not ruin or spoil anything involved with this film, because it deserves to be witnessed and unfold in front of your eyes. Give it a watch.
