In 1875, Matt Calder, a widowed ex-convict, came to pick up his nine-year-old son Mark from a gold prospecting camp. It was Kay, a lounge singer, who took the child under her wing. Forced to flee from the Indians, a man, young woman and son find themselves adrift on a flimsy raft down a somewhat turbulent river.
- Want another TV tip tonight? We recommend one of the best French films of the last ten years, with 7 Césars!
It is the setting for the feature film River of No Return, a classic Western that hit theaters in 1954. Directed by Otto Preminger, this brooding production features the perfect duo of Robert Mitchum and the sparkling Marilyn Monroe.
It was Marilyn Monroe who insisted on having Robert Mitchum as her partner, even though he was under contract to RKO. The American actor also had drama teacher Natasha and choreographer Jack Cole with whom he worked on Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Finally, the Hollywood star negotiated a script to discuss with filmmaker Otto Preminger, who signed River of No Return to the only Western of his illustrious career.
Notably, River of No Return’s shooting schedule and film budget could not be met due to the demands of Otto Preminger, who asked the actors to perform their own stunts.
Among other misadventures, he saved Marilyn Monroe from drowning after she slipped and her water-filled boots dragged her to the bottom. The actor narrowly escaped death another time with Robert Mitchum when their raft, stuck in a rock, almost overturned.
Tonight on Arte at 9 o’clock.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
