Such a frustrating disappointment

Fresh and Exciting

Absolutely Fantastic

A Masterpiece!

Producer: Robert Fellows. Copyright 6 October 1944 by RKO Radio Pictures, Inc. New York opening at the Palace: 14 December 1944. U.S. release: 29 September 1944. U.K. release: 7 May 1945. Australian release: 12 April 1945. 8,000 feet. 89 minutes.NOTES: Wayne's fist association with producer Robert Fellows with whom he was later to form Wayne-Fellows Productions. Wayne liked the script of this one (co-written by actor Paul Fix) so much he tried to persuade John Ford to direct. Although Ford declined, some members of the Ford stock company, notably Ward Bond and Russell Simpson, were signed on for the cast.COMMENT: One of Wayne's best westerns, with plenty of vigorously staged action, an intriguing plot, lots of interesting characters, loads of atmosphere, and an agreeably honed characterization for the Duke himself. It's tempting to say what a pity Ford knocked back this assignment, but Marin has actually done quite a super job. Of course he was helped no end by experts like Theron Warth (a graduate of RKO's film editing department, making his debut here as associate producer) and cinematographer Robert de Grasse.It's good to see Wayne re-united with some of the players from his early 30s career, most notably ultra-smooth villain Ward Bond, rough-house heavy Harry Woods, cowardly off-sider Paul Fix, helpful barkeep Cy Kendall and most particularly George Hayes, a real audience-pleaser here in a made-to-order role as a cantankerous, woman-hating stagedriver. (Wayne is also introduced as something of a cynical misogynist. "I never feel sorry for anything that happens to a woman," he answers an early leading question from Hayes, to that driver's surprise and evident delight. But his attitude noticeably softens later on in the presence of both ultra-feminine heroine Audrey Long and more masculine Ella Raines).Elisabeth Risdon's remarkably forceful performance as Miss Martin deserves special praise. We also liked Emory Parnell's blustering sheriff and Walter Baldwin's slovenly coach-stop man. In fact, all the characters are most skilfully played. Although Wayne rightly dominates the action, at more than one stage there are so many interesting characters jostling around in the background, they threaten to spill off the screen.Production values are A-1. In short, a first-class western.OTHER VIEWS: Exciting, fast-paced western, with a brilliant opening sequence, a delightfully aggressive heroine, fine photography, and a script that is as rich in characterization as in action and originality. Wayne has one of his best roles as the charmingly gutsy if somewhat cynical hero.

Michael Hogan and Paul Fix who is in the cast, wrote a much better than average script based on Gordon Ray Youngs original story in this one. The script is more complex than a lot of Wayne's earlier films. It even compares favorably to Wayne's Dark Command, though that one is based on previous real history. No script i more complex than Dark Command but this one does have a special presence for Wayne.This film shows Wayne becoming a more mature star. Surprisingly, RKO known for running films as class B on a shoestring actually made this one a full feature. This one Audrey Long and Ella Raines as dual female interest for Wayne. It has a solid supporting cast and this film during the war should have done well at the box office.There are scenes in the monument valley but not a lot, might even be borrowed stock footage from other movies, as in glorious black and white it is quite easy to sneak in stock footage. What makes this film better than most is the mystery agenda had by all the characters in the film and the script which develops them more than most films.Ella Raines is at her most attractive in this one. I would have wanted to ride off with her at the end, and Wayne gets to plant a major kiss on her. He was a lucky guy this time.

Enjoyable Western that even non-Wayne fans should find entertaining. Film blends equal parts mystery, bravado, romance, and humor in fairly smooth fashion. Mystery plot comes from actor-writer Paul Fix, comic relief from incomparable Gabby Hayes, while convincing bravado is supplied by you-know-who. Still and all, this is a Gabby Hayes showcase, and I would think a high point of his career ( he had just left the Hopalong series). In fact, the first ten minutes are among the funniest and most satisfying of any Western on record: the chemistry between Hayes and Wayne is simply terrific and easily tops that between Wayne and his two leading ladies. This is a fine "buddy" picture, even if the participants are wildly unequal in age and skills. My one complaint -- special effects and art direction. Scenic shots from Sedona, AZ, simply do not blend well with pedestrian shots from the San Fernando Valley, while shoddy process photography and occasional cheapjack sets also mar final result. Apparently Wayne still did not command a class A budget. Too bad. Still and all, fans of the Duke and those of all tastes could do a lot worse.

very good screenplay with the nicest and funniest supporting actor playing both drunk and smart guy at the same time. Wayne also played well in this gem with two pretty young actresses. these two young ladies were the stereotypes of females in the western genre films; one strong, tough and independent, while the other, educated, reserved, conservative, timid sometimes, yet when needed to be strong and decisive, could also became strong willed and stubborn. Wayne did a great job to handle all the tough situations with handgun and fists. the screenplay was well crafted with lot of funny and wisecracking dialog, delivered by the funny old drunk, a stage coach driver and at the same time, a decent soul to be a sidekick when you needed it. lots of fun and lots of tensions, but everything turned out to be just fine and everybody got what he or she deserved. a rarely fine old western in the best form that had been long gone today. beautiful cinematography, beautiful scenery, even in black and white. very enjoyable indeed.