"Across the Wide Missouri" is a wonderful and highly under-appreciated film that was made just a few years before "Many Rivers to Cross". I mentioned this Clark Gable film because its topic is the same--trappers in the wild frontier who find love in the early years of the United States. However, while the Gable movie is a gorgeous drama--filled with wonderful scenery and understated action, "Many Rivers to Cross" is the exact opposite--a light romantic comedy that appears to often be filmed in sound stages despite the story being set in the great outdoors. As I watched this Robert Taylor film, I couldn't help but think repeatedly that I wish I'd copied the Gable film to DVD and not this often broadly written farce.The film begins with Robert Taylor playing a tough trapper who women seem to find HIGHLY desirable. You can tell that the domestication of Taylor against his will is the eventual way the movie will conclude. And, when he meets Eleanor Parker (who is a bit like Calamity Jane, Annie Oakley and Sadie Hawkins rolled into one). She is determined to have this man one way or another--even if it means tricking him into staying. The problem is that Taylor has absolutely no desire to marry or settle down--so her task is a tough one. If the film had been made today, audiences might have been inclined to think Taylor's character was gay.Eventually, Parker is able to force Taylor to get married--to marry her or get shot by her family. However, just because he's married doesn't mean he needs to stay, so as soon as possible Taylor takes off--and Parker eventually has had enough and decides to give up the chase. So what happens next? Tune in (if you'd like) and see.Overall, a watchable film but not a whole lot more. I wish the film had been a bit more serious OR perhaps a lot funnier. As it is, the film just doesn't offer enough to merit seeking it out or watching unless you have nothing better to do--which is hardly a glowing endorsement.

I agree with the other poster who wonders where all these positive comments came from. This is the worst movie I have ever seen. The female lead is so obnoxious and annoying that I am surprised the male lead doesn't just either kill himself or kill the entire family. Neither Rod Taylor nor Eleanor Parker seem to be able to act and are terrible in their respective "comedic" roles. The dialog and plot is ridiculous and the characters are ill-conceived and not believable. And the soundtrack is one big orchestral cliché. This movie was painful to watch and predictable. The theme is dated and I believe is an insult to women. I would love to talk with the people who liked this movie and find out more about them. If this movie were released today, it would last one weekend, if released at all. Interesting enough, many of the actors and actresses in this movie have done fine work in other movies and in the Theater. The fault falls upon the shoulders of the director and the producers. This is a movie that should never have been made. I had stop watching this movie because it was so bad.

Are you guys kidding me? What's up with all the positive reviews on here. I enjoy watching old movies but you have to give credit where it is due and this movie does certainly not deserve all of that praising.It's a very simple made little movie. The story is incredibly simple and is not really heading anywhere. It's unclear to me what this movie is trying to be; A comedy, a romantic movie or an adventurous one. The movie mixes many of all those elements and the end result is a mixed bag of a movie with an awkward love-story, sporadic action and a vague main plot line.This is really one of those movies that is heading nowhere and makes a pointless impression. Perhaps if the movie had a more clear main plot line and other small things, such as perhaps a more villainous opposite character, the movie would at least had been more interesting to watch.The movie mostly relies on its love-story but it is a rather awkward one, that is far from credible or likable. It tries to be original but ends up being annoying instead.The fun characters are about the only redeeming quality of this movie. They still make sure that the movie is a light and fun one to watch. The main character, played by Robert Taylor, is also quite good and enjoyable. A sort of Indiana Jones like character set in the Wild West. Not as good obviously but certainly comparable.Certainly not unwatchable but far from a good- or even interesting one to watch.5/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

I have been searching for the theme song of this movie "The Berry Tree" since I saw it once as a 6 year-old kid in 1955 or 56. I've hummed the melody and sung the few lyrics I remembered since then. I finally got the VHS tape last week and what a pleasure. This is a fantastic frontier comedy and it brings back fond memories of me as a young kid wearing a Davy Crockett coonskin cap and singing the song. Here are the lyrics to the song if anyone else has wondered what they were for 45 years or so, as I had. From other comments here, this song made an indelible impression on almost everyone that has heard it.The higher up the berry tree the sweeter grows the berryThe more you hug and kiss a gal the more she wants to marryThe berry tree's a wise old tree the sweetest fruit is his'nBut marryin' up with any gal is just like goin' to prison(Bridge)Peaches in the summertime, apples in the fall Till I find the gal I want, a' gonna have none at allCause higher up.