The
ruthless outlaw, Ben Wade has finally been captured and is being held in a
secret location, awaiting the 310 train to Yuma, where he will go to trial
for his savage robberies and killings. But his gang gets wind of the location
and is determined to spring him from captivity - at any cost. Violence ensues
as the outlaws attack the few law men and citizens guarding their leader.
Originally
released in the summer of 1957, 3:10 to Yuma, was directed by Delmer
Daves and starred then popular actors, Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. Widely regarded
as one of the best western films ever made, it was propelled to box office
success by a suspenseful plot and excellent cinematography. The movie has
since gained new audiences through replays on television and through the DVD
market.
Now revived as a Columbia Pictures production, distributed by Lionsgate (release date: September 7th, 2007), the new 3:10 TO YUMA stars Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. Based on a short story by noted writer, Elmore Leonard, the film was directed by James Mangold, known for Walk The Line, and produced by Cathy Konrad from a screenplay by Halsted Welles, Michael Brandt & Derek Haas. The cast also includes: Peter Fonda as Byron McElroy, Gretchen Mol as Alice Evans, and Dallas Roberts as Butterfield. The film runs 1 hour, 17 minutes.
The story which takes place in Arizona during the late 1800's is centered around an infamous outlaw, Ben Wade, played by Russell Crowe, and his vicious gang of thieves and murderers, who have plagued the Southern Railroad and attacked stagecoaches. When Wade and Charlie Prince head to the small town of Bisbee for a drink, after robbing a stagecoach and killing the driver, Wade is captured. Because it’s too dangerous to hold Wade in Bisbee, the townsfolk decide the best thing to do is get Wade on the 3:10 train to Yuma, where he will be tried — but that's a day and a town away. Following Wade’s capture, Dan Evans, a struggling Civil War veteran, who is trying to survive on his drought-plagued ranch, volunteers to deliver Wade alive to the 3:10 to Yuma. Evans is played by Christian Bale. As Wade is secretly being taken to the nearby town of Contention to wait for the train, he tries every way to corrupt Evans, but Evans has something to prove and is determined to get Wade to the town and on the train. With dangers cropping up at every turn, Evans’ mission soon turns into a violent and impossible journey - one which leads toward each man's destiny as the two men begin to earn each other’s respect. While waiting in a hotel for the 3:10, a gun battle breaks out with Wade's gang which has learned about the secret move.The action and suspense build as the plot plays out. For a taste of the drama, see the trailer - linked below.
The movie was filmed in and around Santa Fe, Abiquiú, and Galisteo, New Mexico. The Bonanza Creek Ranch represented the film's town of Bisbee and Galisteo became the fictional town of Contention.
