DANGER LIGHTS is a kind of industrial melodrama, a genre inherited from the 19th century _machinism and industrialism, and illustrated by Victorians, Zolists, Naturalists, in cruder or softer tones, more or less subtle, whimsy and sophisticated, according to will and market; its outer, and often most immediate appeal, is to exalt energy. With it goes the documentary style, a _documentarian approach, unpolished and lean—as a (more or less) artistic representation of the economic life. Proletarian types like Gabin and Tracy, moderately glamorized working class tough guys, were designed for this kind of outings.In DANGER LIGHTS, morality full of proletarian spunk, also steeped in railroad mythology and oozing with blue collar wisdom, a hobo finds a generous employer who's willing to give him a chance and pair him with a locomotive. The golden—hearted, presumably asexual employer, played by Wolheim, pushes his girlfriend, a gentle babe, into the hobo's arms, thus taking generosity to a new level; manipulative and hearty, he looks more like a dirty pimp, pushing that girl away. What else, Jean Arthur looked reasonably nice, in fact she's straight hot; Louis Wolheim didn't (--he was more of a Malden type, if you take my meaning--), instead he was set to reform Robert Armstrong (--who is supposed to look manly; he looks chiefly libidinous, also mean and heinous--).Old—timers Bonfire, a house, an office, a depot are the sets of DANGER LIGHTS. The script is primitive, lazy slapdash, the style is likable, endearing, and the storytelling—almost charming. I liked Mrs. Arthur and I liked the movie's neat, clean, unpretentious style, its simplicity and nakedness and sense of storytelling.

I noticed that one reviewer gave this mediocre film a 10 and I just can't get it. While it's neat to see all the trains as well as one of the few films still in existence starring Louis Wolheim, there's not a whole lot more to recommend this extremely melodramatic film.Oddly, this movie was copied in many, many ways by OTHER MEN'S WOMEN just five months later. The two films are so similar, it's obvious that the latter film "borrowed" (i.e., stole) the plot idea. Both are about a railway supervisor who is a heck of a wonderful guy. He's in love with a girl and introduces her to a new friend--one who eventually ends up trying to steal the girl. And, in both cases, it leads to an almost impossible to believe ending.While entertaining, this and OTHER MEN'S WOMEN are just too silly to be considered great films. The plots are extremely old fashioned and might just make you laugh they are so clichéd. Instead of ruining what I mean, just watch the films yourself--you'll probably see what I mean.By the way, Louis Wolheim was a wonderful actor and I loved to see his ugly kisser in films like this and ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT. Unfortunately, only a year later, he was to die very young of stomach cancer. What a loss.

I have stood near the spot that the film crew was filming the scene where the speeding train carrying the injured Dan Thorn is crossing the Missouri river. It was Lombard Mt..There is absolutely nothing left of the town. The funny thing is that the train is speeding WEST to get to Chicago. Rare scenes of "Big Hook" steam crane in action, and Eagle Nest tunnel, where as soon as you come out of the tunnel you are on top of a high bridge.This movie was not filmed in Hollywood but on location in western Montana where not much has changed since the movie was made except the removal of the rails on the Milwaukie Road.All in all excellent vintage railroad movie.

Turner Classic Movies just aired this movie as part of their tribute to 'Star of the Month' Jean Arthur. I have to confess that before watching this movie I was not familiar with any of the actors in the cast. I really enjoyed the film. It takes you to a time of Depression America and the struggles made by many Americans in that era. Railroading in America with it's old steam locomotives plays a prominent role in the picture. I would have to say it's one of the best films on the subject I've ever seen. A snapshot of history at the time. I particularly enjoyed Jean Arthur in her role. I recommend the movie to people who like not only railroading adventure but a good love story.