An American Western; A story about a greedy tycoon who foments a Native American uprising against the coming first transcontinental telegraph line so as to perpetuate his economic stranglehold on the territory. This film has a theme about progress and expansion that invites the spectre of corruption. It conjures up an interesting picture of 1860s life on the plains. Good action sequences but the comic relief is less than inspiring and the performances are all a bit stagey too. John Wayne is enjoyably to watch for his energetic turn, if a bit stilted at times, as a U. S. cavalry scout sent to put a stop to sleazy opportunist Albert J. Smith. Duke, the loyal horse, is a welcome diversion. The finale, using recycled scenes from the film, The Red Raiders (1927), make an impression but repetitive sequences involving horse chases and encircled wagons dullen the story. It is wrapped up pretty quick with a predictable romantic liaison.
Review of The Telegraph Trail
