California ( 1947 )

California (1947): A Tale of Ambition, Prejudice, and the Golden West

California, a 1947 American Western film directed by John Farrow, offers a sweeping, albeit romanticized, portrayal of the early days of California's statehood. Starring Ray Milland, Barbara Stanwyck, and Barry Fitzgerald, the film explores themes of westward expansion, the clash between settlers and established landowners, and the burgeoning desire for progress versus the preservation of tradition. While not considered a classic of the genre, California provides a compelling glimpse into a pivotal period in American history and raises questions about the price of ambition and the complexities of cultural identity.

Plot Summary

The story unfolds in 1848, amidst the rush of gold seekers heading to California. Jonathan Trumbo (Ray Milland), a former cartographer and Union officer haunted by his experiences in the Civil War, seeks a fresh start and a peaceful life raising sheep. He sets out westward with his pragmatic and often humorous Irish companion, Father Michael (Barry Fitzgerald), who is more interested in securing land for his flock than in striking it rich with gold. Their journey is fraught with peril, including encounters with hostile Native American tribes and the harsh realities of the unforgiving landscape.

Their paths cross with Lily Bishop (Barbara Stanwyck), a ruthless and ambitious saloon owner traveling with a wagon train. Lily is determined to build an empire in California, and she uses her cunning and charm to manipulate those around her. She sees Jonathan as a means to an end, attempting to entice him to abandon his pastoral dreams and join her in her quest for power and wealth. Jonathan, however, is initially resistant to her allure, distrusting her motives and clinging to his vision of a simpler life.

Upon arriving in Monterey, California, Jonathan and Father Michael find themselves caught in the middle of a simmering conflict between the established Californios, the Spanish-speaking landowners who have long held sway over the region, and the incoming American settlers. These Californios, led by the proud Don Luis Rivera y Hernandez (George Coulouris), resent the encroachment of the newcomers and fear the loss of their land and way of life. Lily quickly aligns herself with Don Luis, seeing him as a key to consolidating her power.

Jonathan, initially indifferent to the political tensions, finds himself drawn into the struggle when Lily’s manipulative actions lead to violence and injustice. He witnesses the systematic dispossession of the Californios through legal loopholes and outright coercion. His sense of morality is awakened, and he begins to question Lily's methods and the unchecked ambition that drives her. He falls in love with a Californio woman, Maria (Julia Faye), further solidifying his empathy for their plight and his opposition to Lily’s schemes.

The film culminates in a dramatic showdown between the settlers and the Californios. Jonathan, now a staunch advocate for justice and the rights of the dispossessed, leads the charge to protect the Californios from further exploitation. He confronts Lily, denouncing her greed and the destructive consequences of her ambition. In a final act of redemption, Lily recognizes the error of her ways and sacrifices herself to save Jonathan and protect the Californios. The film ends with a sense of hope, suggesting the possibility of a future where the different cultures can coexist peacefully and justly in the burgeoning state of California.

Themes

California explores several key themes prevalent in the Western genre and relevant to the historical context of its setting:

• Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny: The film reflects the prevailing ideology of Manifest Destiny, the belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable. However, it also critiques the darker side of this expansion, highlighting the displacement and exploitation of the Native American and Californio populations.
• The Clash of Cultures: The central conflict revolves around the clash between the incoming American settlers and the established Californio culture. The film portrays the tension between tradition and progress, raising questions about the value of preserving cultural heritage in the face of modernization.
• Ambition and Morality: Lily Bishop embodies unchecked ambition, willing to exploit and manipulate others to achieve her goals. The film contrasts her ruthless ambition with Jonathan Trumbo's gradual awakening of moral conscience, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in the pursuit of success.
• Redemption and Transformation: Both Jonathan and Lily undergo significant transformations throughout the film. Jonathan sheds his cynicism and apathy, becoming a champion for justice. Lily, in her final act of self-sacrifice, finds redemption by acknowledging her mistakes and prioritizing the well-being of others.
• The American Dream: The film explores the allure and the perils of the American Dream. While California offered the promise of wealth and opportunity, it also brought with it the potential for greed, exploitation, and the erosion of traditional values.

Character Analysis

The characters in California are complex and represent different facets of the historical and thematic landscape:

• Jonathan Trumbo (Ray Milland): A war-weary former Union officer seeking peace and redemption. He initially embodies cynicism and a desire for isolation, but gradually becomes an advocate for justice and the rights of the Californios. His transformation is central to the film's moral message.
• Lily Bishop (Barbara Stanwyck): A fiercely independent and ambitious saloon owner driven by a desire for power and wealth. She is a complex character, simultaneously ruthless and vulnerable. Her ultimate redemption adds a layer of complexity to her portrayal.
• Father Michael (Barry Fitzgerald): A pragmatic and humorous Irish priest who provides comic relief and moral guidance. He represents a more compassionate and grounded approach to the challenges of westward expansion.
• Don Luis Rivera y Hernandez (George Coulouris): The proud and dignified leader of the Californios. He embodies the values of tradition and cultural heritage, struggling to preserve his community's way of life in the face of encroaching American influence.

Historical Accuracy

While California captures the atmosphere of the Gold Rush era and the tensions between settlers and Californios, it takes significant liberties with historical accuracy. The film simplifies the complex political landscape of the time and romanticizes certain aspects of the Californio culture. The portrayal of Native Americans is also somewhat stereotypical and lacks nuance. While the film provides a general overview of the historical context, it should not be considered a definitive historical account.

Specifically:

• The timeline of events is compressed for dramatic effect.
• The portrayal of the Californios is somewhat idealized, overlooking internal conflicts and social inequalities within their community.
• The film presents a simplified narrative of the legal and political processes that led to the dispossession of the Californios.

Reception and Legacy

California received mixed reviews upon its release in 1947. While some critics praised the film's sweeping visuals, strong performances, and exploration of important themes, others criticized its historical inaccuracies and melodramatic plot. The film was a moderate commercial success, but it has not achieved the status of a classic Western.

Despite its flaws, California remains a noteworthy film for its exploration of the complex issues surrounding westward expansion and the clash of cultures. It offers a valuable, if somewhat romanticized, glimpse into a pivotal period in American history and raises questions about the price of progress and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Cast and Crew

Directed by: John Farrow

Written by: Theodore Strauss (screenplay), Franz Spencer (story), and Theodore Strauss

Produced by: Seton I. Miller

Music by: Victor Young

Cinematography by: Ernest Laszlo

Edited by: Eda Warren

Technical Details

Thematic Elements

Key Locations