Another 1939 picture from this incredibly prolific director (in his lifetime, John Ford directed more than 140 films). Well, I didn’t care much for the “main” characters, that is, Dallas and Ringo Kid, played by Claire Trevor and John Wayne, respectively. (By the way, it looks like this is the first film starring John Wayne that I’ve ever seen; until now, I only knew his name from Robert Rankin books.) It were the supporting cast who made my evening yesterday: Andy Devine as the stagecoach driver, Buck; fantastic Thomas Mitchell as permanently drunk Doc Boone; Donald Meek (who was also playing the prosecutor in Young Mr. Lincoln) as The Reverend whiskey salesman Mr. Peacock; and Chris-Pin Martin as the innkeeper Chris. The portrayal of the “savage” Native Americans in the film will surely make you cringe, while the monologue of Mr. Gatewood, a currupt banker played by Berton Churchill, is painfully familiar.
Gatewood (clutching valise with embezzled funds): I don’t know what the government is coming to. Instead of protecting businessmen, it pokes its nose into business. Why, they’re even talking now about having bank examiners. As if we bankers don’t know how to run our own banks. Why Boone, I actually have a letter from a popinjay official saying they were going to inspect my books. I have a slogan that should be emblazoned on every newspaper in the country: “America for Americans”! The government must not interfere with business. Reduce taxes! Our national debt is something shocking! Over one billion dollars a year! What this country needs is a businessman for President.
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