Lust for Gold (1949) Review

Title: Lust for Gold
Year: 1949
Director: Sylvan Simon
Country: US
Language: English

Based on the book Thunder God's Gold by Barry Storm, Lust For Gold (1949) opens with a short note from the Governor Arizona stating that the ecents in this picture are loosely based on a true story. The legend of the lost loot has been quite embellished throughout the years, but the picture suggests it's still possible to find this treasure. 

Fortune seeker Barry Storm (Glenn Ford) stumbles onto some clues that may lead him to the fabulous Lost Dutchman Mine, but others have tried and been murdered.

Lust For Gold is a film noir hidden in a Western. It has all the film noir tropes; a femme fatale (Ida Lupina), murder. deceit, greed, pessimism and a flawed protagonist. Well written and well directed, the picture keeps you on your toes as it fills its run-time with melodrama, suspense and shocking moments. 

Cinematographer Archie Stout fills the screen with breathtaking cinematography, including an action packed climax on a thrilling cliff-side. The score adds to the dramatic weight of the picture. Ida Lupina steals every scene she's in as a villainous and greedy woman.

The picture is not on the level of Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1949), but it is quite a decent achievement. Lust for Gold meanders in the middle, but picks up steam and is ultimately fairly satisfactory viewing.