Three Godfathers (1936)

In the sun-bleached expanse of the Wild West, three rugged outlaws find themselves at the heart of an unexpected tale, as they navigate the thin line between survival and redemption in the movie, Three Godfathers. The desperados, known for their notorious pasts and hardened hearts, arrive in New Jerusalem, a serene enclave teeming with religious folks living peaceful lives. Their intentions, however, are far from benign as they plot to rob the town's bank, setting in motion a chain of events that ignite the profound power of this tale. The bank heist escalates, resulting in the fatal shooting of the bank's president. With the town’s posse hot on their heels, the trio of outlaws, played by Chester Morris, Walter Brennan and Lewis Stone, in a stellar performance directed by Richard Boleslawski, make a desperate dash into the barren landscapes of the desert. Their journey takes a turn for the worse when they stumble upon a dying mother and her infant at a parched desert water hole. Faced with a moral conundrum and a fight for survival, the outlaws decide to protect the helpless infant. The harsh desert, however, shows no mercy, claiming their horses and forcing the roughened criminals to trek back to New Jerusalem on foot. As they embark on this treacherous journey, their resolve is tested, and the question of who will carry the baby to safety becomes a pivotal point in their redemption story. Three Godfathers weaves a complex narrative of sacrifice and redemption, blending a generous dash of humor in the early pre-heist scenes before transitioning into a deeply moving saga. This underrated gem is a journey into the depths of human strength and the power of second chances, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of the Western genre.

Three Godfathers is an action movie featuring Chester Morris and directed by Richard Boleslawski.

Three Godfathers is currently streaming on TCM.