“Nevada Pass” (1975) – Charles Bronson had professional stuntmen double him

“Nevada Pass” (original title: “Breakheart Pass”) is a American Western from 1975, directed by Tom Gries based on the novel of the same name by Alistair MacLean.

The Film combines classic Western elements with an exciting crime plot and is set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

Particularly impressive: the action scenes. Charles Bronson (1921–2003) performed some of his own stunts, but not all of the dangerous scenes were performed by him personally. We explain why that was the case.

Content of the film

A special train transports urgently needed medicines and a replacement force to Fort Humboldt, where a cholera epidemic has broken out.

On board are Governor Richard Fairchild (Richard Crenna), Marshal Nathan Pearce (Ben Johnson), Major Claremont (Ed Lauter), the commander's daughter Marica Scoville (Jill Ireland) and other officers and railway personnel.

Shortly before departure, John Deakin (Charles Bronson), who is being transported as a prisoner, is handed over to the train. No one suspects who he really is. During the dangerous journey through the winter wilderness, mysterious deaths occur, and it quickly becomes clear that no one on board is actually who they appear to be.

The plot develops into a gripping game of cat and mouse that culminates in an explosive finale.

In addition to Charles Bronson in the leading role as John Deakin, numerous well-known actors shine:

◉ Ben Johnson as Marshal Nathan Pearce.
◉ Richard Crenna as Governor Richard Fairchild.
◉ Jill Ireland as Marica Scoville.
◉ Charles Durning as O'Brien.
◉ Ed Lauter as Major Claremont.
◉ David Huddleston as Dr. Molyneux.
◉ Archie Moore as Carlos, the cook.

Video: Trailer – “Breakheart Pass” (1975)

Spectacular stunts

Charles Bronson was known for filming many of his own action scenes. In "Nevada Pass," he also performed numerous stunts himself, both in close-ups and less risky sequences.

◉ The spectacular action scenes, especially the famous fight on the roof of the moving train, were carefully planned and staged by Yakima Canutt (legendary stunt coordinator) and his team.

◉ Professional stuntmen were used for many dangerous moments, such as the fall from the train roof. Charles Bronson was represented by his double, Howard Curtis, in these scenes. Archie Moore, Bronson's opponent in the rooftop fight, was also doubled by Tony Brewbaker.

◉ The production paid particular attention to safety: For the rooftop fight scene, special handrails were installed on the train cars for the actors and stuntmen to hang onto. They were also secured with wire ropes to prevent them from falling off the train in the event of a fall.

◉ In particularly risky falls, such as when someone appears to be thrown from a moving train, the stuntmen landed in safety nets that were installed outside the camera image.

Conclusion

"Nevada Pass" combines Western and crime elements in an unusual way and is considered a thrilling genre mix. Particularly noteworthy are the dense atmosphere and the surprising resolution, in which it remains unclear who is friend and who is foe until the very end.

Charles Bronson was known for filming many of his own action scenes and also demonstrated considerable physical exertion in "Nevada Pass." However, the truly dangerous stunts, especially on the moving train, were performed by experienced stuntmen for safety reasons.

With its mixture of western, crime and action, carried by a strong ensemble around Charles Bronson, “Nevada Pass” remains a must-see classic of the American Cinemas is 1970s.

The film received solid reviews and still enjoys cult status among Western and Bronson fans. A must-see!

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