Donner Pass: The Road to Survival
Synopsis
A grim incident from American pioneer history is recreated as a determined group of settlers, facing almost insurmountable odds, struggles to reach California in 1846. Already divided by internal dissension over the choice of a leader and the selection of a route, the wagon train is soon decimated by Indian raids, a scarcity of food and water, and the unrelenting forces of nature. Finally after months of hardship, the party reaches the High Sierras, only to be stranded in the middle of the pass by an early snowstorm. And as fear of an agonizing death from starvation forces the abandonment of conventional rules of human behavior, the pioneers face a new enemy - each other.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Robert Fuller
James Reed
Andrew Prine
Lewis Keyser
Michael Callan
William Eddy
Diane McBain
Margaret Reed
John Anderson
Patrick Breen
John Doucette
George Donner
Cindy Eilbacher
Mary Graves
Royal Dano
Sutter
Gregory Walcott
Will Mckutcheon
Lance LeGault
Charles Stanton
Whit Bissell
Uncle Billy Graves
Peggy Stewart
Mrs. Breen
Reid Cruickshanks
John Synder
Robert Carricart
Rudy Diaz
Brian Erickson
John Hansen
Paul Grace
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James L. Conway
- Screenplay & Story
- S.S. Schweitzer
- Original Score
- Bob Summers
- Original Title
- Donner Pass: The Road to Survival
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Studios
- Schick Sunn Classics
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James L. Conway
S.S. Schweitzer
Bob Summers
Trevor Jolly
James Simmons, Charles E. Sellier Jr.
Department Leadership Roster
S.S. Schweitzer
Writer
James Simmons
Producer
Trevor Jolly
Editor
James L. Conway
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Donner Pass: The Road to Survival.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Donner Pass: The Road to Survival.
list2
More Like Donner Pass: The Road to Survival
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donner Pass: The Road to Survival
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Donner Pass: The Road to Survival about?
A grim incident from American pioneer history is recreated as a determined group of settlers, facing almost insurmountable odds, struggles to reach California in 1846. Already divided by internal dissension over the choice of a leader and the selection of a route, the wagon train is soon decimated by Indian raids, a scarcity of food and water, and the unrelenting forces of nature. Finally after months of hardship, the party reaches the High Sierras, only to be stranded in the middle of the pass by an early snowstorm. And as fear of an agonizing death from starvation forces the abandonment of conventional rules of human behavior, the pioneers face a new enemy - each other.
Who directed Donner Pass: The Road to Survival?
Donner Pass: The Road to Survival was directed by James L. Conway.
Who stars in Donner Pass: The Road to Survival?
The principal cast of Donner Pass: The Road to Survival includes Robert Fuller, Andrew Prine, Michael Callan, Diane McBain, John Anderson.
When was Donner Pass: The Road to Survival released and how long is it?
Donner Pass: The Road to Survival was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for Donner Pass: The Road to Survival?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Donner Pass: The Road to Survival was composed by Bob Summers.