Hell's Heroes
The All-Talking Outdoor Classic
Directed by William Wyler
Produced by Universal Pictures
A pre-code Western redemption tale where hardened criminals find unexpected grace through an act of mercy and spiritual obligation.
Three bank robbers on the run happen across a woman about to give birth in an abandoned covered wagon. Before she dies, she names the three bandits as her newborn son's godfathers. Remade as Three Godfathers (1936) and 3 Godfathers (1949).
Essence
Ensemble
Charles Bickford
Bob Sangster
Raymond Hatton
Tom 'Barbwire' Gibbons
Fred Kohler
'Wild Bill' Kearney
Fritzi Ridgeway
Mother
Joe De La Cruz
José
Walter James
Sheriff
Maria Alba
Carmelita
Buck Connors
Parson Jones
Jim Corey
Barfly (uncredited)
Mary Gordon
Choir Member (uncredited)
Edward Hearn
Frank Edwards (uncredited)
John Huston
Church Member (uncredited)
Like Hell's Heroes
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as Hell's Heroes
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like Hell's Heroes, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like Hell's Heroes, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like Hell's Heroes, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
