Was this clichéd when it was made? It is now, of course. Every line of script is hombre, garsh ma'am and reach for the ceiling! But, now, almost everything from the old movies is clichéd. In 1932, was this material fresh? I doubt it. Everything about this movie screams one-shot direction and fast production.
But, that's okay! It does what it was meant to do in providing a fast and furious western saga. John Drury (Wayne) is new in town but wastes no time taming an angry horse (Duke), making sweet time with Ruth (Hall), and going after the film's villain (Hagney).
Folks seem a little harsh in judging the acting and plot. This movie rushes along as it was meant to. There's little time (55 minutes) to waste on characterization or thoughtful pauses. What we do get is wall-to-wall action which, I believe, is what the movie was shooting for. For drama there are some double-crosses (Drury is framed for being the murderer) and tough talking.
John Wayne is nowhere near as polished as we see him in later (and more successful) movies. But his charm is right there in all it's rough glory.
I recommend this movie for couch-and-snacks enjoyment. 5 of 10!
But, that's okay! It does what it was meant to do in providing a fast and furious western saga. John Drury (Wayne) is new in town but wastes no time taming an angry horse (Duke), making sweet time with Ruth (Hall), and going after the film's villain (Hagney).
Folks seem a little harsh in judging the acting and plot. This movie rushes along as it was meant to. There's little time (55 minutes) to waste on characterization or thoughtful pauses. What we do get is wall-to-wall action which, I believe, is what the movie was shooting for. For drama there are some double-crosses (Drury is framed for being the murderer) and tough talking.
John Wayne is nowhere near as polished as we see him in later (and more successful) movies. But his charm is right there in all it's rough glory.
I recommend this movie for couch-and-snacks enjoyment. 5 of 10!