NR | 1h 32m | Action, Drama, Romance | 1942
“Pittsburgh,” helmed by director Lewis Seiler and adapted from an original story by writers George Owen and Tom Reed, is a thought-provoking rags-to-riches story that is as much of an uplifting tale as it is a cautionary lesson. It’s also a picture that sheds light on Wayne’s acting skills.
Wayne stars as the titular character Pittsburgh Markham, who works long, hard days in a coal mine in Pittsburgh with his bosom buddy Cash Evans (Randolph Scott). When the two miners aren’t digging away in tunnels, they’re usually at a local bar or visiting their friend, scientist “Doc” Powers (Frank Craven).
While Pittsburgh initially projects a happy-go-lucky, popular persona, we see in a humorous scene another part of his nature. As Doc describes one of his latest coal-related experiments to Pittsburgh and Cash, our questionable hero zeroes in on a bottle of whiskey that is perched on a nearby shelf and pockets it.
We see further clues as to Pittsburgh’s questionable character when he boasts to attractive Josie Winters (Marlene Dietrich) about beating a champion boxer at an exhibition. But instead of facing the bruiser himself, he thrusts his buddy Cash into the ring for a bout of fisticuffs.
Top-Notch Trio
The acting is top-notch with a trio of stars such as Wayne, Dietrich, and Scott. What I really found refreshing is that Wayne doesn’t reprise his typical good guy role here, and instead plays a friendly yet manipulative character who embraces the darker aspects of his personality.
Dietrich also shows why she’s held in such high esteem as an actress. Her ability to say much without speaking a single word, relying only on subtle facial cues, is impressive. For example, during one scene in which Pittsburgh is bragging to her about his high-minded plans and ambitions, Josie challenges him to back up his bravado by calling his boss and announcing that he’s quitting his job. Her calculated smile and eye flutters show that she’s happy to have stirred in Pittsburgh a genuine sense of agency. In Josie, Dietrich presents a nurturing and ultimately unifying force in the movie.
This movie conveys a uniquely American message about the values of hard and individualism. Through capitalism, individual citizens contribute to a common goal, while having access to an array of jobs. As this film was produced during the height of World War II, it helped to boost the morale of coal and steel workers, as well as everyone else who contributed to the Allied war effort in its fight against tyranny.
“Pittsburgh” is a well-paced drama that proves John Wayne could effectively play more than just heroic figures. This nuanced role is a feather in his cap and a refreshing change of pace.
It’s also a patriotic wartime production that harks back to when the United States was united behind common goals. If anything, see it for the fine performances by its solid cast, positive messages, and excellent production values.
