Hell's Heroes (1929)

the leading man is my tpye

Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

An overlooked gem from 1929. The premise has been remade a number of times, but I can't imagine any being better than this. I hope the three godfathers, actors Hatton, Bickford & Kohler, got big bonuses. They clearly deserve hazard pay for filming in the middle of nowhere. Looking like a parched pancake, it's a nowhere desert the three fugitives must limp across. Worse, there's no sign of relief in any direction. Yeah, they're tough guys, but this is a battle with nature in the raw, a desolate face that's both unyielding and waterless. And catch the rags the guys are wearing. The tatters get even holier as they trudge along. Wardrobe must have shopped on skid row, while I doubt that a grubbier threesome has appeared in Hollywood annals.Speaking of holy, there's a subtext of Christian symbolism to the story, without rubbing our nose in it. Note, for example, the brief cross-shaped cactus providing comfort to the martyred Barbed-Wire as his two buddies depart. Good subtle detail. Then again, the results suggest something of the Three Wise Men, western style. After all, when Mom dies, the three bank robbers are gradually redeemed by their care for the infant boy under what amounts to self-sacrificing circumstances. Their desert trek then becomes a moral proving ground the outlaws must cross in order for symbolic redemption to occur. At the same time, delivering the infant to the altar on Christmas day closes the Three Wise Men loop. By that time, each has shown a higher regard for the infant than himself. Nonetheless, I like the brief moments when the guys show their masculine libido. For example, Bob enjoys biting saloon girls in erotic fashion, while he and Bill jockey over who gets firsties with the girl in the covered wagon. Thankfully, filming was prior to the dead hand of Hollywood's censorship code. Anyway, it's legendary William Wyler's first talky and he hits a homerun, with both staging and performances. In fact, some of those desolate shots against the sky are downright iconic, proving again that artistry surpasses time. Also, the acting's first-rate. Seldom has a trio of tough guys interacted with such unforced naturalness, conveying a rare level of male bonding.. Too bad grubby Oscars aren't awarded for best shabby characters, because these three rank right up there with Sierra Madre's Bogart and Huston. So, don't pass this one up despite its obscurity. I'm really glad an old movie fan put me on to it, and I think you will be too.

Hell's Heroes is a 1930 western drama film. The story follows a group of bandits who find themselves in dire straits after a botched robbery. In an unforgiving desert, the men face a series of events that changes their lives.Entertaining and moving, Hell's Heroes is a heartfelt movie. The story is fantastic and unexpected events keep the picture fun. This film is a true emotional roller coaster.There are a few faults with the film, such as bad acting at times and some faulty premises. The way two beautiful women are fighting over a poor and gross ruffian is hard to believe. Parson Jone's 100-yard shot with a revolver is also a stretch, not to mention some parts toward the end that I don't want to give away. The movie also gets a bit boring and slow during the last act.Overall, I recommend Hell's Heroes. Entertaining and unexpected, this film has a short running time and is well worth a viewing. Definitely a must for any fans of older western movies.

Regretfully, I only caught the last 15 minutes or so during its latest broadcast on TCM. I'm a Westerns buff and have seen both the later (Morris, et al & Wayne et al) versions, as well as the original silent. Ran across this one by accident when I got up too early on a Sunday morning. Despite having only seen its last 1/4 hour, I was ab-so-lutely blown away by how much better it was than any of those other productions. Wyler's direction is spectacular - visually spare while bursting with information. Does anyone know ANYWHERE I might be able to get a copy (DVD or VHS) for personal viewing? If I must, I will wait around for two or ten years 'til it shows up again on TCM (maybe Encore Westerns?), but I have got to see the whole thing. Thx for any help you can give. -peace

Although the manner of film narration dates this picture badly, it can be appreciated for its considerable merits, not merely as an historical curiosity. The juxtaposition of figures and landscape (particularly desert) is powerful, accenting the isolation and desperation of the outlaws. Its final scene, like that of "The Informer" (which it pre-dates), may be highly melodramatic, but works effectively within its context. Charles Bickford, in the early portion of the picture, is terrifying as a human rattlesnake: mean, ruthless, just plain down and dirty nasty to whoever crosses his path.