Union Pacific

Cecil B. DeMille, 1939

Union Pacific opens to a debate among politicians in Washington D.C. for the westward expansion of the Union Pacific Railway. After much discussion of how to finance the railroad amongst the wealthy business men of the 1860’s, the construction of the Union Pacific is underway. But one shrewd investor by the name of Mr. Barrows (Henry Kolker) decides to invest in both the Union Pacific Railway and the rival railroad, the Central Pacific Railway. His hopes are that the Central Pacific Railway will make it to Ogden, Utah, a town where the two rail lines will be connecting, before the Union Pacific. If the Central Pacific does beat the Union Pacific then this would entitle Mr. Barrows to the Central Pacific hub, where both the Central Pacific Railway and the Union Pacific Railway would join lines. But to make this investment work Mr. Barrows must play as if he is for the Union Pacific. To implement his plan he hires two men to cause constant distractions for railroad workers. Their names are Sid Campeau (Brian Donlevy) and Dick Allen (Robert Preston). They are to slow the progress of the Union Pacific Railway in any way possible. The pair built swinging saloons which housed gambling, liquor, and fine women, and along with Indians caused enough distraction to slow the progress to only 500 miles of rail line in three years. With the deadline of Ogden quickly approaching Captain Jeff Butler (Joel McCrea), a troubleshooter for the Union Pacific, is hired to push the Irish workers to finish the railway. Captain Butler stands between Campeau and Allen, but we soon discover that Allen and Butler spent the Civil war together fighting for the North. Allen soon introduces Butler to his fiance Molly (Barbara Stanwyck), the daughter of the Irish train conductor for the Union Pacific. Soon after Captain Butler’s start, the gamblers are driven out of town and the Union Pacific is set back on track to beat the Central Pacific Railway to Ogden. Molly is to be looked after by Butler while Allen is on the run to escape prison for his disturbances along the railway. With Captain Butler and Molly spending time together a forbidden romance begins to bud. Captain Butler soon figures out Mr. Barrows’ scheme and is quick to dismantle his final act to obstruct the completion of the Union Pacific. With one last shoot out the celebration of the last rail tie in connecting the railroads can finally commence.

For those who are in the mood to see a classic western, you’re in luck. Union Pacific has the stereotypical western characteristics: hero, villain, saloon women, heart of gold girl, Indians, and shootouts. Director Cecil B. DeMille enlightens us with beautiful cinematography, stunning scenery, witty dialog, and charming characters. Union Pacific is an “A” style production with extensive props, costumes, and action screens. This film has something for everyone. A rich romance, clever lines, fierce shoot outs, and good conquering evil are what you will find if you ever watch this 1939 masterpiece, Union Pacific.

Katey Guile