<P> Set in the Northwestern United States in 1875 , the film focuses on taciturn widower Matt Calder ( Robert Mitchum ) , who has recently been released from prison after serving time for killing one man while defending another . He arrives in a boomtown tent city in search of his ten - year - old son Mark ( Tommy Rettig ) , who was left in the care of dance hall singer Kay ( Marilyn Monroe ) after the man who brought him there as Matt had arranged took off for the hills . Matt promises Mark , a virtual stranger to him , the two will enjoy a life of hunting , fishing and farming on their homestead . </P>
<P> Set in the Northwestern United States in 1875 , the film focuses on taciturn widower Matt Calder ( Robert Mitchum ) , who has recently been released from prison after serving time for killing one man while defending another . He arrives in a boomtown tent city in search of his ten - year - old son Mark ( Tommy Rettig ) , who was left in the care of dance hall singer Kay ( Marilyn Monroe ) after the man who brought him there as Matt had arranged took off for the hills . Matt promises Mark , a virtual stranger to him , the two will enjoy a life of hunting , fishing and farming on their homestead . </P>
who sang the song in the movie the river of no return
who sang the song in the movie the river of no return
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe