Stars in My Crown: A 75-Year-Old Western Streaming Now on Max

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A typical moviegoer might not recognize the name Jacques Tourneur, let alone associate him with the 1950 Western film “Stars in My Crown.” However, those familiar with Tourneur’s work may find it surprising that he directed a Western, given his reputation for creating low-budget, eerie horror films like “Cat People” (1942) and “I Walked with a Zombie” (1943). In an unexpected move, Tourneur ventured beyond his usual genre in 1950, producing a heartfelt Western film set in the post-Civil War fictional town of Walesburg. The lead role was played by Joel McCrea, a seasoned veteran of Western films.

Unlike the numerous Westerns from the 1940s and 50s, filled with grand gunfights and breathtaking landscapes of the American frontier, this film presents a humble, limited story set in one small town. Characters here are content with their lives rather than yearning for the West to make their fortunes or create their destinies. Instead of the rugged and aggressive masculinity typified by stars like John Wayne, our hero exhibits gentleness and kindness. However, beneath its modest appearance lies a profound examination of contemporary themes that remain strikingly relevant today.

A Western About an Infectious Disease Outbreak

In the movie, my first significant challenge as Parson Gray presents itself when my young nephew and adopted son, John (Dean Stockwell), falls ill with typhoid fever. The town’s secular doctor, Daniel Harris Jr. (James Mitchell), advises me to isolate myself to prevent spreading the disease. Yet, disregarding his counsel, I choose to deliver a sermon at the local school. Consequently, several children and their teacher, whom Dr. Harris holds affection for (Amanda Blake), also catch typhoid. The ensuing outbreak results in the temporary closure of the school, and as a man wracked with guilt, I eventually decide to close down my church as well, questioning the very foundation of my faith.

70 years before our current crisis, I found myself immersed in a tale that, to my astonishment, mirrored many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this story, it wasn’t an airborne virus causing chaos, but a typhoid outbreak – spread through contaminated food and surfaces rather than the air we breathe. Much like the global impact we’re witnessing today, this outbreak led to the temporary shutdown of schools, churches, and other public spaces. It was a chilling premonition of our present reality.

In the movie’s narrative, my perspective aligns with Parson Gray, yet his clash with Dr. Harris serves as a chilling premonition of future disputes between faith and science, particularly during pandemics. Some religious figures and entities have resisted lockdowns, vaccines, and preventive measures, with disastrous consequences. Although the film ultimately absolves Gray from blame for the typhoid outbreak, it still stands as a prophetic caution about the risks of disregarding scientific and medical advice in times of emergency. Essentially, the film underscores that even individuals with good intentions, such as myself, can unknowingly make harmful decisions.

‘Stars in My Crown’ Is a Western Response to Jim Crow

Stepping into the realm of impactful societal transformations from 2020, this film strikingly echoes the tragic events such as the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, along with the profound protests that ensued. Unusually for a timeless Hollywood Western production, Stars in My Crown introduces a significant Black character, Uncle Famous Prill, skillfully portrayed by Puerto Rican actor Juano Hernandez, adding a poignant layer of representation to the narrative.

As a passionate cinephile, I find the story of “Uncle Famous” particularly gripping. This resolute, once-enslaved individual stands firm against a ruthless mine owner (Ed Begley), who covets his land relentlessly. In response to Uncle Famous’s unyielding stance, the enraged owner and his soon-to-be unemployed workers orchestrate nighttime attacks on his property, aiming to bully him into surrendering it. The climax unfolds in a chilling scene where the mine workers, donning hooded garments reminiscent of the KKK, descend upon Uncle Famous’s homestead, menacingly threatening to lynch him. In this dire situation, an unarmed Gray stands as his sole protector, while young John looks on in horror.

Ten years prior to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” I stumbled upon the captivating narrative of “Stars in My Crown.” Similar to Lee’s novel, this story delves into the harsh realities of racial violence in a tiny community, but through the innocent perspective of a young white child. Notably, it mirrors the 1948 film adaptation of William Faulkner’s “Intruder in the Dust,” with Hernandez portraying a Black man unjustly targeted, who forms an unlikely bond with a compassionate white child.

What distinguishes Stars in My Crown from other works, including some that are criticized for promoting racism against Native Americans within the Western genre, is its unique portrayal of the antagonist as a white man who unjustly attempts to seize land through violence and coercion, rather than a non-white man’s property, which makes it more progressive in addressing this issue compared to many other Westerns from the same era.

Additionally, while the movie may be criticized for reinforcing white savior stereotypes by portraying a white Christian man as the one who rescues a Black man from lynching, it should also be recognized for its authentic and condemning portrayal of lynching, an act that was rampant in the American South at the time. Moreover, this film stands out among its peers by not only featuring a Black character, but a self-reliant, land-owning Black character living in the post-Reconstruction South – a rarity in movies of the same era where Black characters were often limited to roles as servants or extras without significant dialogue.

‘Stars in My Crown’ Shines Brightly

This movie, which was made 75 years ago, is seldom remembered today for several reasons. For one, it was directed by an unrecognized director, who happened to be foreign-born and was primarily known for horror films rather than Westerns. Moreover, its themes revolving around racism and the clash between science and religion may not have been topics that a Western audience in those days would find appealing or relevant in a Western film.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but champion the underrated gem that is “Stars in My Crown.” Despite fitting comfortably within a genre often saturated with conventionality, this film stands out boldly. While it carries the echoes of its era, it transcends them effortlessly, showcasing a visionary spirit that was years ahead of its time. If you haven’t yet seen it, I highly recommend giving it a watch on Max.

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2025-05-17 21:34