3:10 to Yuma

3:10 to Yuma

Year: 1957

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Delmer Daves

dramathrillerwestern

In a desolate, lawless territory, struggling rancher Dan Evans accepts a job to transport dangerous outlaw Ben Wade to a distant town via the 3:10 train. The journey becomes perilous when Wade's devoted gang attempts a daring rescue, leading to a tense and dangerous confrontation. As they traverse the harsh landscape, Evans is forced to question his own values and fight for survival against a relentless adversary.

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Timeline & Setting – 3:10 to Yuma (1957)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 3:10 to Yuma (1957). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1880s

The film is set in the 1880s, a time marked by the expansion of the American frontier and the allure of gold rushes. This was an era dominated by lawlessness in rural territories, where the struggles for survival and moral dilemmas were commonplace. The societal tensions between settlers and outlaws are vividly portrayed, capturing the essence of the Wild West.

Location

Arizona Territory, Contention City, Bisbee

The story takes place in the rugged Arizona Territory, characterized by arid deserts and vast landscapes. Contention City serves as a pivotal locale, highlighting the struggles of frontier life during this turbulent period. Bisbee, a small town, acts as a crucial setting where the confrontation between the lawmen and outlaws escalates.

🏜️ Desert 🚂 Transport 🤠 Frontier

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

Main Characters – 3:10 to Yuma (1957)

Meet the key characters of 3:10 to Yuma (1957), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dan Evans (Van Heflin)

Dan Evans is a small-time rancher caught between his responsibilities to his family and the chaos surrounding him. He embodies the struggle of an everyman facing overwhelming odds, showcasing resilience and moral fortitude in the face of peril. His character's development highlights the conflicts of duty and ethics prevalent in a lawless society.

👨‍🌾 Rancher ⚔️ Conflict 💔 Sacrifice

Ben Wade (Glenn Ford)

Ben Wade is the charming and charismatic leader of the outlaws, embodying the complex duality of villainy and allure. His calculated demeanor hides a morally ambiguous nature, which challenges the protagonist while testing the limits of loyalty and justice. Wade’s engaging personality captivates both allies and enemies, making him a formidable antagonist.

🤠 Outlaw 🎭 Charismatic ⚔️ Villain

Mr. Butterfield (Robert Emhardt)

Mr. Butterfield is the owner of the stage line, representing authority and business interest in the story. As he navigates the chaos created by the robbery, he highlights themes of commerce and the risks involved in the frontier's lawless environment. His interactions with the outlaws serve to amplify the tension and stakes of the unfolding events.

🏢 Businessman 🚐 Authority ⚖️ Responsibility

Alice Evans (Leora Dana)

Alice Evans serves as the moral center of Dan's world, reflecting the struggles of family life amid external turmoil. Her disappointment and concern for Dan's choices underscore the personal stakes involved in his decisions. Alice's character emphasizes the emotional weight of familial responsibilities and the societal pressures faced by women in that era.

👩‍👧‍👦 Mother 💔 Struggle 🌹 Devotion

Alex (Henry Jones)

Alex is a troubled drunkard whose involvement with Dan adds complexity to the narrative. His flaws and struggles serve to highlight the consequences of choices made in desperation. As a character, he reflects both the frailty of the human spirit and the impact of external conflicts on individual lives.

🍺 Drunkard 💔 Loss ⚔️ Sacrifice

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

Major Themes – 3:10 to Yuma (1957)

Explore the central themes of 3:10 to Yuma (1957), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice vs Survival

The movie grapples with the theme of justice versus survival, as protagonist Dan Evans negotiates his moral compass amidst desperate circumstances. His loyalty to family and his desire to do what is right clash when faced with the intense moral dilemmas posed by Ben Wade and his gang. Ultimately, Dan's internal struggle comes to symbolize the broader conflict between upholding justice and the instinct to survive.

💸 Greed

Greed is a driving force for many characters in the film, as the allure of gold and financial gain tempt individuals into dangerous scenarios. This theme is embodied by both the robbers seeking stolen wealth and Dan's own financial desperation, showcasing how it can lead individuals to betray ideals and morals for personal gain.

👨‍👦‍👦 Family

Family relationships play a significant role in Dan Evans' motivations throughout the film. His commitment to his wife and children pushes him to confront danger, revealing the lengths to which one will go to protect their loved ones. The sacrifice and devotion displayed underscore the importance of familial bonds in times of turmoil.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

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Claustrophobic Journey Movies like 3:10 to Yuma

Tense journeys where opposing characters are trapped together by circumstance.If you liked the tense, high-pressure escort in 3:10 to Yuma, you'll enjoy these movies featuring dangerous journeys and uneasy alliances. These stories trap characters together, creating suspense from both external threats and internal moral conflicts, perfect for fans of gritty, character-driven thrillers.

tenseclaustrophobicdangerous journeyuneasy alliancesurvivalhuntedmoral conflictatmospheric

Narrative Summary

This thread follows a linear, goal-oriented narrative where characters must transport someone or something dangerous from point A to point B. The journey is the main event, filled with obstacles and moral tests that challenge the protagonist's resolve and force a complex relationship with their charge.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here by their shared premise of a high-stakes transport mission, which creates a consistent tone of anxiety and suspense. They feature a steady pace focused on survival, a high intensity from imminent danger, and a confined atmosphere that amplifies character dynamics.

Moral Duel Movies like 3:10 to Yuma

Stories where a principled underdog is tested by a charismatic adversary.Fans of the compelling character clash in 3:10 to Yuma will appreciate these films focused on a battle of wits and morals. These movies pit a determined everyman against a formidable foe, exploring themes of integrity and desperation in tense, straightforward narratives.

morally complexcharismatic villaindesperate heropsychological duelconfrontationalgrittytensecharacter-driven

Narrative Summary

The narrative is driven by the evolving relationship between two opposing figures. While there may be physical action, the primary conflict is ideological. The underdog protagonist's values are tested by the antagonist's persuasive charm or ruthless logic, leading to a climax that is as much about personal conviction as it is about physical victory.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their focus on a compelling two-hander character dynamic that creates the central tension. They share a gritty, confrontational mood, a straightforward plot that allows the character interaction to shine, and a tone that balances desperation with moral questioning.

Unlock the Full Story of 3:10 to Yuma

Don't stop at just watching — explore 3:10 to Yuma in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 3:10 to Yuma is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

3:10 to Yuma Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 3:10 to Yuma, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

3:10 to Yuma Summary

3:10 to Yuma Timeline

Track the full timeline of 3:10 to Yuma with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

3:10 to Yuma Timeline

3:10 to Yuma Spoiler-Free Summary

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3:10 to Yuma Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 3:10 to Yuma

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