Thunder in the Sun (1959) User Reviews

Edythe And Ira

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 19 August 2010]

The filming of Thunder In The Sun probably had its start years before they were movie stars with two grade school kids named Edythe Marrenner and Ira Grossel who both went to Hollywood and became Susan Hayward and Jeff Chandler. These two were really good friends going back to their childhoods in Brooklyn. So when Susan Hayward reached the top of her career with her Oscar for I Want To Live, I'm sure she wanted to make a film with Chandler. It's a pity these two couldn't have found a better one.

It's an unusual subject for a western, a wagon train of Basque immigrants from the French Pyrennees who are going to California to start their own wineries. Their most precious cargo is the vines carrying the grape seeds that have to be watered. Of course on the desert, man and animals also have to be watered. That leads to the usual situations in westerns like these.

Chandler is not your usual western hero either. He takes his pleasures where he finds them be it women or drink. Hayward has been wed to Carl Esmond the leader of the group and when he's killed by an overanxious sentry, the younger brother Jacques Bergerac is ready to take his place. And Hayward is also guarded by her formidable mother-in-law, Blanche Yurka.

Though the folks have unusual clothing for wagon train travelers, the story does have the usual wagon train situations found in westerns, climaxed by a nicely staged fight with Indians. As Bergerac says, the Indians have never faced Basques before and these people are born mountain fighters.

In two years Jeff Chandler would be gone and he never did to make another film with his good childhood friend Susan Hayward. That's a pity.

Susan Hayward: Star

[williwaw · 7/10 · 19 March 2011]

Susan Hayward was a great star and always a great treat to watch the dynamic redhead from Brooklyn in any film. This film co stars Susan Hayward and her friend of many years Jeff Chandler. Together Hayward and Chandler make a great team and a very enjoyable film to watch. Susan Hayward was always a tough lady never afraid of anything and in fact was insistent that her dialogue not portray weakness. To see a Hayward movie like this is to be aware of the back story of any Hayward film: Susan Hayward carefully controlled her successful image. I believe this film was shot right after her classic I Want To Live and was given a quick release, and faded from view, and is not highly regarded as a Susan Hayward film. I disagree, any film with the Tough Lady from Brooklyn is good to watch. And Susan Hayward by all regards not at all sentimental in real life was both fond of Chandler and mourned Jeff Chandler. Postscript: Susan Hayward like many top female stars preferred certain cameramen, and in this film Ms. Hayward's favorite Stanley Cortez is cinematographer.

As we all know Susan Hayward died far too young of brain cancer during her dying days, Katharine Hepburn paid a visit to the dying star. The Great Garbo also paid a visit to the dying Hayward such as the respect Ms. Hayward was regarded by her peers. Barbara Stanwyck also a friend sent flowers. Roz Russell appeared on a radio show the day after Ms. Hawyard died and mourned her friend Ms. Hayward.

Cowboys and Basques?

[frankfob · 6/10 · 10 March 2002]

Very odd western about a wagon train of Basque immigrants making its way through Indian territory with a cargo of special vines so they can start a vineyard in the "new world." About the only ones who are even remotely convincing as Basques are Italian actor Fortunio Bonanova and French actor Jacques Bergerac--another oddity, since while there are some French Basques (the vast majority come from Spain), there are none in Italy. Nothing much really happens until near the end of the picture, when the Basques fight off an Indian attack with their bizarre method of bouncing off of rocks and boulders like mountain goats while emitting screams that seem to be a combination of a "Rebel yell" and hog calling. It confuses the hell out of the Indians (not to mention the audience). If you've ever had an urge to see a Basque western, this is the movie for you. If the sight of overweight, middle-aged guys dressed in white shirts and berets trampolining off of boulders the size of Buicks interests you, this is your movie. Otherwise, don't bother.

It's just a Hollywood Western, guys!

[jstubblefield-2 · 20 January 2008]

If we want Hollywood to get historical and ethnic content correct, then there are precious few movies ever made in Hollywood that are above reproach. Come on! This is just a grade B Hollywood western, and when I saw it back when it came out, I was so entertained and moved by it that I remember it even to this day as a first rate entertainment with unforgettable thrills and spills. Who really cares if the Basques and the native Americans were portrayed accurately? When did Hollywood EVER do that for any group? The reason I looked the movie up here in the first place was because I thought about it for the thousandth time since I saw it and decided it is high time to watch it again. I remembered Susan Hayward (who could forget her?) but couldn't remember who the male lead was. Jeff Chandler, I see now. I just want to say that while I sincerely respect and understand the criticism of the typical Hollywood shallow, thoughtless approach to ethnic and historical accuracy, if you can get past that -- as you MUST do if you're ever going to enjoy these old flicks for what they are worth -- the movie is a whole lot of fun to watch.

Phony Basques' Bounty-like wagon train to California saga

[weezeralfalfa · 7/10 · 22 August 2015]

The theme rather reminds me of the HMS Bounty, in which water rations for the crew were minimal, so that fresh water on the ship could mostly be used to keep the breadfruit seedlings alive during the long voyage from Tahiti to Jamaica. In this case, fresh water in the desert portion of the journey is scarce, thus Chandler's wagon master character (Lon) wants the Basques to pitch their cherished grape vines so that the livestock and people have enough to survive. Even though some of the horses die of thirst, the Basques refuse to give up their vines, most vocally by Susan Hayward's character(Gabrielle).

Hollywood films of this era usually played loose with historical and geographical accuracy, but this one is especially bizarre. The Basques are from the French side of the Pyrenees, and claim they left their homeland in the wake of post-Napoleonic unrest, one claiming he fought with Napoleon. Lon claims he fought with Washington in the Revolutionary War. Yet, this is supposed to be 1847(or 1850?)!. Historically, it's true that many Basques, especially on the French side, emigrated after the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars, and that their economy was then in bad shape.

Strange that Basques are characterized as introducing grapes(or at least their favorite cultivar) to California. Historically, it was the Spanish missions that established the early plantings in CA, Basques most commonly initially serving as sheepherders in the American West. I was unable to find evidence in support of the supposed Basque customs emphasized in the film of keeping the hearth pot burning perpetually, nor childhood betrothal. Also, the Spanish Flamingo dance near the beginning apparently isn't a Basque trait. The striking ululations made by the men on several occasions apparently are a Basque feature, but are not used for long distance communication nor for war whoops, as featured. Jacques Bergerac, who played Pepe, the brother of Gabrielle's husband, grew up in then Pyrenees region, although I don't know if he was a Basque.

The screenplay includes some common features of wagon train films. Of course, there's a confrontation with Native Americans, rather late, not far from their destination. It was staged in the unique Alabama Hills, near Lone Pine and Mt. Whitney, were many a western was partially shot. In fact, most of the film was shot in various locations around Lone Pine, including the Olancha sand dunes,to the south. The prairie fire segment is rather reminiscent of that in "The Texans", filmed 2 decades earlier, except that they had to fight the fire and the Native Americans simultaneously in that one.

Like "Westward the Women", when the wagons encounter a stretch of sand it must cross, the wagon master orders all heavy, not absolutely essential, items to be tossed. Historically, this most commonly occurred just before crossing the Rockies, with the fear that the pulling team would otherwise be reduced to a slow crawl up steep slopes. Also, as in "Westward the Women", and, no doubt, some other wagon train sagas, the footloose wagon master is tamed by a beautiful and forceful young woman(Gabrielle in this case) in the train. Presumably, she believes that this hard drinking. womanizing, loner can be made to be satisfied with a sedentary life. But, we Never find out if this works out. However, unlike Taylor's character in the former film, it's Lon who is doing the pursuing of very reluctant Gabrielle, who is married, and then promised by tradition to the brother of her deceased husband(Pepe), when her husband is accidentally shot. Although Lon and Pepe are then enemies during the latter part of the journey, Pepe finally give into Lon when they reach their 'promised land', with the excuse that old customs can be discarded in their new land. Actually, Lon is obnoxiously arrogant when it comes to his self appraisal of his desirability as a lover or husband vs. Gabrielle's husband or Pepe.

Romance/adventure Western with full of emotion , fights, thrills and breathtaking feats

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 7 November 2022]

This meaty Western contains interesting plot , intrigue , thrills , shootouts and results to be quite entertaining . A stirring movie set in the turbulent 19th century , this is a colossal western with top-drawer cast . Stars the early deceased Jeff Chandler and Susan Hayward that starred such important films as ¨I Want to live¨ , ¨Untamed¨, ¨The Snows of Kilimanjaro¨; both of whom caused sensation , here in their most exciting roles . The story of a love that was greater than honor and race and a courage that stood alone against the fury of the savage native Indians . While happening some clashes between traditional Basque habits and the necessity of survival . A 1850 adventure story of the Basque immigrants on their trek to California , their struggle with the Indians, and the development of a twisted love triangle . Set in 1847, a group of fifty-two French Basques, including women and children, sets-out from Independence, Missouri to the far California. These settlers left Europe behind to escape the starvation , unrest and aftermaths of the Napoleonic Wars. They have wagons , horses , mules and supplies throughout the risked way . They also hire a local trail master for a fee . As the tough guidance is called Lon Bennett (Jeff Chandler) , he leads a wagon train of pioneers through perilous landscapes , Indian attacks , storms , deserts , swollen rivers , down cliffs and so on while and falling in love with Gabrielle . He is skilled but he loves women as well as booze too much, and eventually falls in love for an indomit pioneer . As Bennett becomes obsessed with Gabrielle Dauphin (Susan Hayward) , the beautiful lover of the Basque leader (Carl Esmond). He repeatedly forces his attentions on her but she rejects him every time . Due to an unfortunate accident Gabrielle stands alone , but two suitors emerge , the valiant journey guidance (Jeff Chandler) and the jealous Basque/French Pepe Dauphin (Jacques Bergerac) . The Sun Never Blazed On A More Savage Saga!. The sun never blazed on a more savage saga !

An overwhelming period adventure set in 19th century with a decent cast , thrilling scenes and breathtaking battles . It is a rousing , moving , romantic tale , including a complicated love story , but rough-edged fare in Western treatment . There are spectacular outdoors scenes , packing a colorful photography in Technicolor , in color de Luxe , nevertheless the lead actors were filmed in the studio with projected backgrounds . Dealing with interesting issues , such as emigration to the dangerous California , colonialism , racism and a loving triangle among an intimate trio : Jeff Chandler/SusanHayward/Jacques Bergerac . There's a detail studio about old customs , superstitions and Basque morality and their crashes with the violent Wild West in which safety is more essential than ancient traditions . In a way , the flick is similar in vein to a frontier Western in the wake of The Big Trail (1930) , The Oregon Trail (1957) and The Way West (1969) . Susan Hayward stands out , as usual, as the brave Basque leader ; she excelled herself in all kinds of melodrama , here is outrageously superb as what one critic wrote : a kind of Scarlett O'Hara on the Far West . Her partenaire results to be Jeff Chandler who's pretty well as the two-fisted wagon master . He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Cochise in Broken arrow (1950) . He followed this by playing the role of Cochise in two sequel s: Battle of Apache Pass (1952) and Taza (1954). While his premature gray hair and tanned features served him well in his westerns and action pictures, the studio also put him into soap-operas and costume movies. In his films, his leading ladies included Maureen O'Hara, Rhonda Fleming, Jane Russell, Joan Crawford, June Allyson and Susan Hayward . Shortly after his last film Merrill's Marauders (1962), Jeff died, at 42, from blood poisoning after an operation for a slipped disc. Being assisted by a good secondary cast , such as : Jacques Bergerac , Blanche Yurka , Carl Esmond and the Spanish Fortunio Bonanova.

Lavishly produced by Seven Arts Productions , enhanced by brilliant and glimmering cinematography , superbly caught by cameraman by Stanley Cortez , though a perfect remastering being necessary because of the film-copy is washed-out. Thrilling as well as sensitive musical score by maestro composer Cryl Mockridge . This is another acceptable and powerful Western being compellingly directed by Russell Rouse , though contains some flaws and shortfalls . He was an expert screenwriter as the classic ¨D. O. A¨. Filmmaking occasionally for cinema all kind of genres as Caper films such as ¨The Caper of the Golden Bulls¨, Dramas as ¨The Oscar¨, Noir cinema such as ¨Wicked Woman¨, ¨New York Confidential¨ , ¨The Well¨ , ¨The thief¨ and another Western titled ¨Thunder in the sun¨. Well worth watching and it will appeal to Susan Hayward and Jeff Chandler fans .

Ignorance about Basques

[shan-ti · 1/10 · 30 March 2006]

I'm totally agreed with "Artzau". I'm a native Basque living in my country and I wonder how far the ignorance can arrive when it treat our culture. What in the hell is that flamenco stuff among Basques? Instead those Basque couldn't speak Spanish 'cause they were from the other side of the Pyrenees. They use our "irrintzi" (a call shout) in a grotesque mode as a code for literal communication, our traditional sports (Jai Alai = Basque ball) as weapons, etc.

The movie is racist with the Native American people (as the most of Western films) and a sad example of the little respect of/from the US to the other cultures (american Indians or European Indians included) in the world.

Hope you to understand our disagree about this point and feel free to know our culture and people in the wide list of Basque Centers all around the world.

Disappointing, even for 1959

[cruhl32 · 5/10 · 7 June 2015]

At age 12, I saw this picture in a theater when it was first released. It impressed me mainly because of the way the Basque fought -- making huge leaps between boulders, so when I saw it was on TV, I recorded & watched it again. Today, it looks like a very silly story. There are no acting performances or cinematography that redeem this picture. The Basque who have made other reviews on this site needn't be offended -- Hollywood rarely, if ever, depicts American history correctly -- let alone other cultures. The synopsis says this is a western set in the 1850's & that makes sense for Basque immigration (as near as I can tell), but Lon tells the Basque that he fought with Washington (who's last battle was in 1781)while the Basque tell him they fought with Napoleon, which I can date to prox. 1809, maybe earlier. Also, it made no sense to attack the Indians when the wagon train had guns & the Indians only bows & arrows. Women would not have been wearing pants, even riding pants in the mid 1800's. Hayward has many find performances that have stood the test of time & Chandler might have, if he'd lived. This movie is just a curiosity.

When Hayward turned into Dietrich.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 2 April 2024]

Even though her character is supposed to be French according to the synopsis, Susan Hayward distinctly sounds like Marlene Dietrich. And at times she even breaks away from that accent to sound like an American actress attempting to do a campy Russian accent a la Nita Talbot on "Hogan's Heroes" and Robin Strasser on "Murphy Brown". Bravo for her trying to do something different after playing Barbara Graham in "I Want to Live", but even as a fan of hers, I thought she was out of her depth in this.

I always love finding films about a piece of history that I was unaware of, and the struggle of the Basque immigrants to get across the plains while dealing with family issues and attacking natives does sound like it could be an exciting subject. Filmed in tech in the color This is a gorgeous looking film obviously shot outside, and it is certainly filled with an abundance of colors.

Jacques Bergerac as Hayward's husband and Jeff Chandler as the leader of the wagon train provides her with some handsome leading man. Blanche Yurka, One of my all time favorite character actresses is very commanding as the matriarch of the family, suspicious with good reason of her. I got annoyed with the frequent squealing going on of the character yelling it seemed every time that danger might be lurking. Hayward certainly is always watchable, but as the book on her films described this as a disappointing follow up to her oscar winning role, I couldn't help but agree.

Watch For Hayward

[davidjanuzbrown · 9/10 · 16 June 2016]

This is a movie that I like more then most people. I am not of Basque Heritage, so I cannot say what they did wrong as far as a culture and language is concerned. But if you watch the movie you will see that it is the Basque Settlers ( who needed to plant grape vines they brought from France) as opposed to the American trail guide, Lon ( Jeff Chandler) that comes up with the plan to defeat the Indians. The best one in the movie is Gabrielle Dauphin ( Susan Hayward) who is in a loveless, arraigned marriage to Andre. She is the walking definition of a spitfire, which you see in her flamingo dance and the settlers want to quit and she keeps them going, and when she pulls a gun on Lon and he knows she will use it. Andre simply cannot handle her ( even his mother calls him old). Andre is eventually killed by accident, but by tradition his younger brother Pepe must marry her. Of course, the one she really loves is Lon. Spoilers ahead: The way the Basque and Lon take to the mountains and defeat the Indians is something to watch. At the end Lon finds the perfect spot to plant the vines, which he shows to Gabrielle and Pepe, and Pepe sees the love that they have for each other. Pepe said to Lon " The best way to marry is for love." and he lets him have her. 9/10 Stars mostly for Hayward who dominates every scene she is in.

A Highly Underrated Western

[alanrhobson · 10/10 · 4 October 2007]

This is one of the most underrated Westerns I have ever seen. I first saw it as a child and found it hugely exciting - and I have seen no reason to change my mind in subsequent viewings.

It is an enjoyable wagon-train Western, with new angles (the Basque element, the emphasis on the importance of the vines, etc.). I'm sure the representation of the Basques isn't entirely accurate, as another reviewer complains. However, crucially, it increases the viewer's interest in and sympathy for the Basques - isn't that ultimately more important? There isn't a single dull scene in the entire film, and it is involving enough to make us care what happens to the wagon train. It is moving at times too - especially the death of the elderly Basque near the end. The underrated Jeff Chandler is excellent, as usual, as the wagon train guide/leader. The action scenes are well shot and exciting, whether it be the raging fire or the climatic Indian attack. The cinematography is also first rate.

I gave it a 10, as it remains one of my very favourite B-Westerns.

Bad Basque Blather

[artzau · 11 November 2000]

I had heard from friends that this was a film about Basques. Since the film had been gone off the circuit, I was eager to see it when it reappeared on TV. Being an anthropologist and ethnic Basque, I was most interested in how Hollywood would treat this subject. Well, after my initial disappointment and shock at not only a limp-witted story and a mediocre performance by Susan Hayward, my real dismay was at the presence of the French Basque, Jacques Bergerac for going along with a misinformed and misinforming depicition my (i.e., our) people. The Basque traditions depicted in the film were totally fictious and laughable. How Bergerac picked up his paycheck with no feeling of shame is a mystery to me. Hayward was always beautiful and exciting. But seeing her dance a Flamenco (not ever a Basque tradition) and hearing her make a bad attempt at a French accent, was disheartening. Chandler emoted as usual, no surprise...but the only thunder in Thunder in the Sun, were my groans of complaint and disgust at this bad parody of the culture of my ancestors.

Back to the Basques....

[dbdumonteil · 8 April 2003]

....or how History repeats itself.At the end of the 8th century,the Basques beat Charlemagne in Roncevaux in the Pyrénées mountains !When Bergerac evokes his ancestors' feat,he was historically accurate;later the chanson de geste "la chanson de Roland " (which enhanced Charlemagne's so-called nephew count Roland) forgot the Basques and turned them into Sarrazins. ....so the end of the movie is a second "Roncevaux" ,the Indians replacing good old Carolus Magnus and his fair knights.For the rest of the movie,as I do not know anything about the basques traditions,I will not argue with the precedent users who complain about the lack of knowledge of basque culture of the writers.The director used a lot of French actors -Heyward and Chandler are like Martians in such a company- ,all virtually unknown in their native country,even the lead Bergerac.This is a rather short film,mainly if we consider that the beginning consists of singing and dancing (Heyward 's flamenco,more Spanish than Basque,being one of the highlights of a fairly tepid story).

Sometimes the Basques speak French,most of the time English,even between them,which makes the story unconvincing.Susan Heyward,as gorgeous as ever,contents herself with a few words .

Wonderful underrated western

[searchanddestroy-1 · 21 January 2024]

For me, it's a most curious and interesting western, so rare in western history, offering so many surprises, exciting surprises, in terms of characters and especially a terrific climax: the fierce fight between the Indians and the Basques, using their own weapons.... I don't understand bad reviews about this western. Of course it is not a masterpiece, not a John Ford or Delmer Daves' either, not so brilliant in the script, but this movie is in the line of what Russel Rouse the director already gave us: unusual plots: THE WELL, THE THIEF, THE OSCAR, HOUSE OF NUMBERS, WICKED WOMAN. No, really, this western is really worth the watch.