Directed by Donald Siegel; produced by Kendrick Sweet
A man, previously found nearly incoherent near the Grand Canyon, is murdered. Deputy Sheriff Les Martin (Cornel Wilde) a former detective in Denver, is assigned to find the killer. Martin figures that it can’t be a coincidence that this murder, and then another, has occurred near abandoned gold mines which might still be worth a fortune to an enterprising individual. Whether that individual is willing to kill for that potential fortune is something Martin must investigate - even at the risk of his life.
What might be seen as a contemporary western is in fact a murder mystery, though, due to the writing, it is not an entirely satisfying one. It starts off strong, with a puzzle that leaves the viewer wondering not only about the victim’s identity, but about the killer’s motive. The uncovering of both of these mysteries is well-handled, but the solution is determined just by chance, rather than deduction, which makes for a weaker ending to the story.
While the story has a weak ending, the movie does not, which highlights the disparity between the writing and the direction. The latter is in the hands of Don Siegel (here, credited as ‘Donald’) and both the opening and closing scenes are exciting and interesting; the climax, featuring a fist-fight over the Grand Canyon itself - with stuntmen, not computer graphics, of course - is thrilling.
Siegel makes excellent use of the scenery - and yes, a bad or mediocre director can waste even the Grand Canyon. The opening images are typical of that use: a wide-angle view of a car driving up to a cliff, and a lone figure running to hide from the car’s occupant. It invites curiosity and participation in what will happen next.
The acting is good, with Wilde a likeable and believable protagonist, Edgar Buchanan as his boss, the county sheriff, and Victoria Shaw as the love-interest. Mickey Shaughnessy provides a well-performed diversion as a bar-owner. Jack Elam plays a foreman at a guano-mine, though whether or not he is taking a break from playing the villains he often portrayed at this time is a question for the viewer.
Aside from the ending, the script is commendable. It credibly creates characters that fit as much in 1950’s Arizona as they would have sixty or seventy years before, contributing to the feel of the contemporary western. It benefits from being set in a real place - Mohave County - and shot on location. The smouldering feud between the county’s attorney and sheriff gives some additional tension to the plot. As well, the developing relationship between Martin and his new girlfriend seems realistic, rather than the contrived circumstances that propel many movie romances.
Edge of Eternity is a good, if not outstanding, adventure/crime movie, with enjoyable work from all concerned.
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