Watch Tall in the Saddle For Free

Thanks for the memories!

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

TALL IN THE SADDLE is a very typical John Wayne western of the mid 1940s. Wayne plays a graceful, good-looking stranger who arrives in a new town to start a new job, only to discover that his boss has been murdered, shot in the back by persons unknown. He makes it his business to find out who did it and soon finds that the town is riven by rivalry and treachery.Fans of the Duke will find themselves enjoying this movie despite the familiarity of the set-up. Stock Wayne supporting stars Ward Bond and Paul Fix play in support. There's plenty of action to keep the narrative moving along, with racing stagecoaches, fisticuffs, capture and escape, and some shooting, plus a little romance for the ladies. It's not as stylish or assured as Wayne's later work but it passes the time well enough.

Tall In The Saddle is considered a grade B western for John Wayne, only because it falls short of the John Ford directed masterpiece, Stagecoach. While it is a typical oater, it is still a very interesting story, in its portrayal of women and their effect on the tough and rugged Wayne. Ella Raines is the star in this film, as she whips Wayne into shape, resulting in having the hardened misogynistic character, softening and learning to respect women as people. Ella Raines performance in this film is meritorious and she proves, in this her fifth film, how versatile an actress she is. Her portrayal of the feisty Arleta is played with a perfect blend of sharpness and toughness needed to tackle the callous Wayne character. Tagging along faithfully, is the lovable Gabby Hayes, who always adds the right amount of comic relief, as he plays the most cantankerous old coot in this film. Elizabeth Risdon is outstanding playing the strict crabby guardian of her sweet niece, played by Audrey Long. Ward Bond is always a strong, fine fixture in Waynes movies. This film turns into a real gem because it is so well executed by all the actors, add some really fine cinematography, first-rate directing, and you have a very enjoyable John Wayne movie. It should also be noted that John Wayne liked the script which was co-written by Paul Fix, a friend of Waynes, and a supporting player in many of his films, including this one. Tall In The Saddle, grossed an impressive hefty $4million in 1944. I have watched this western movie many times, and it never fails to satisfy.

The chief reason for seeing this unremarkable oater is John Wayne after he left El Cheapo Studios behind him but before he became an icon. It's 1944, and Wayne was young -- well, his mid-30s -- and handsome and hadn't yet mastered the art of acting, only re-acting. This is a minimalist Wayne, his performance trundling along like a narrow-gage freight train, sometimes leaning this way -- an amused grin -- and sometimes creaking over to the other side -- a pair of raised eyebrows signalling disapproval. The plot has something to do with Wayne showing up as a stranger in town, looking for work, but secretly being the new owner of the Iron Buckaroo Ranch or whatever it is. When we parody John Wayne, this is the persona we're making fun of, not the later Wayne who was able to turn in some fine performances. This is a taciturn Wayne. He smiles a lot. He's polite but firm in his principles. He has a sense of humor although he never descends into laughter when a simple but earnest grin will do.You want to know how reserved he is? I'll tell you how reserved he is. He's at a table playing cards. There's a big pot. The callow youth across from him -- all youths are callow -- initiates an argument and grabs the pot illegally, or at any rate unethically. Wayne doesn't protest. He looks a little grim, stands away from the table and strides upstairs to his room. He comes down a minute later, wearing his pistol. At the table, he says serenely, "I came for my money." He gets it.The sidekick is George "Gabby" Hayes in excelsis. The girl is the smoothly beautiful Ella Raines with her mane of dark hair and her blue eyes. She can ride a horse too. That's an attractive trait in a woman. And she's a good shot with a pistol. That's not such a good trait in a woman.There are other characters in the movie, including a more than usually articulate Ward Bond as a slick scalawag, but, like the plot, they're not worth really going on about.

John Wayne (as Rocklin) arrives to work at the "Topaz" ranch. He is accompanied by drunken driver George 'Gabby' Hayes (as Dave), and the ranch owner's distaff kin: Audrey Long (as Clara Cardell) and Elisabeth Risdon (as Elizabeth Martin). Mr. Wayne bonds with boozy Mr. Hayes; they share a chauvinistic dislike for women. Ms. Long is attracted to Wayne; but, soon, so is tomboyish rancher Ella Raines (as Arly Harolday). While the primly sensual Long and the fiery cowgirl Raines flirt unmercifully with him, Wayne must solve the murder of the freshly shot dead ranch owner..."Tall in the Saddle" is a mostly haphazard, unsatisfying western, highlighted by strong, familiar supporting performers. And, the film's women make most enjoyable viewing. Raines and blonde rival Long are great-looking; and give great looks, to both Wayne and each other. Raines's cowgirl outfit is snug and sexy. Long is primly attired, but sensual; a fact noticed by Raines as the women deliciously play a "check out the competition" scene. Veteran actress Risdon is the perfect contrast, a straight-laced old aunt. Sidekick Hayes gets to pal around (too briefly) with veteran actor Raymond Hatton (as Zeke) in some early scenes. **** Tall in the Saddle (9/29/44) Edwin L. Marin ~ John Wayne, Ella Raines, George 'Gabby' Hayes