This project was undertaken to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the existence of Texas as a political entity and the inception of the Texas Rangers as a paramilitary force to be reckoned with. Incidents were inspired by those reported in the 1935 book "The Texas Rangers, a Century of Frontier Defense". I wonder if the name of the outlaw Sam was inspired by that of outlaw Sam Bass, whose demise was largely attributed to the efforts of The Rangers?
The 3 main characters initially work as a team of thieves, robbing stagecoaches and their passengers. Usually, Wahoo((Jack Oakie) would serve as shotgun on the stage, gathering information about what was being carried of interest. Jim(Fred MacMurray) and Sam(Lloyd Noland,)would holdup the stage, Wahoo pretending to shoot at them and be a victim. But, one time, Wahoo served as driver, while a Texas Ranger served as shotgun. Wahoo called off the robbery, and that was the end of this career.
Thereafter, Sam split from Jim and Wahoo, pursuing rustling. In need of income, Jim and Wahoo were talked into joining The Rangers. They helped put down an Indian uprising or two, finally making the Indians retreat to a reservation, where they would be harmless. Thereafter, Jim is given the assignment to oust the menacing 'boss' of county Kimball. He insists on prosecuting the kingpin for a double murder. Everyone thinks he's crazy to risk his life, and theirs. During the trial, Jim senses that things aren't going his way. So, he badgers the reluctant key witness until he admits he saw the murders and who committed them. Then, he badgers the jury to come up with a guilty verdict. The judge gives him a 50 year prison sentence. In appreciation for instilling courage in the citizens of the county to overthrow their tyrant, they present Jim with a ranch in their county. The original idea was for Sam to become the new kingpin, but Jim nixed that idea. Interestingly, Gabby Hayes was the judge. This is the most interesting episode in the film for me.
After this turn of events, Sam proceeded to make his gang the terror of Texas, committing a variety of crimes, Sam being dubbed the PokeDot bandit for his kerchief. Jim is given the task of bringing Sam in, but he refuses and quits The Rangers. But, he is arrested for past crimes with Sam. Wahoo , instead, goes in search of Sam, but is killed by Sam, for trying to double crossing him. Jim then changes his attitude toward Sam, and receives a reprieve if he brings Sam in. He finds Sam and they have a standoff, neither winning. Inviting Sam to give himself in, Sam ignores this chance and Jim eventually kills him.
Especially, in the first half,Jack Oakie, as Wahoo, often acts clownish. Clearly, his brand of humor irritates some viewers, while others approve. I'm somewhere in between. I suspect that kids, in general, would give a higher approval rating.
Some complain that Indians are portrayed as only rapacious barbarians. Indeed, historically, some were at times, a charge that could equally be leveled at many Europeans.
Two women are featured at times. Jean Parker, as Amanda, daughter of the local commander of The Rangers. at first was put off by Jim's attitudes toward the proper rearing of a boy. But, she gradually came around, throwing herself at the confirmed bachelor, until he finally gave in....Then, there's Elena Martinez, who did womanly chores at Sam's headquarters, perhaps also serving as a 'comfort woman'.
In regard to the battle between the Indians and Rangers,, where the Rangers are way up on a mountain side, looking down at the Indians, many are hitting their target with pistols, which were designed for rather close range shooting. Also, some Indians get above them, and roll a bunch of large boulders down on the Rangers, like so many supersized bowling balls. Burt Lancaster did the same unlikely stunt in "Scalphunters"
See it in B&W at YouTube
The 3 main characters initially work as a team of thieves, robbing stagecoaches and their passengers. Usually, Wahoo((Jack Oakie) would serve as shotgun on the stage, gathering information about what was being carried of interest. Jim(Fred MacMurray) and Sam(Lloyd Noland,)would holdup the stage, Wahoo pretending to shoot at them and be a victim. But, one time, Wahoo served as driver, while a Texas Ranger served as shotgun. Wahoo called off the robbery, and that was the end of this career.
Thereafter, Sam split from Jim and Wahoo, pursuing rustling. In need of income, Jim and Wahoo were talked into joining The Rangers. They helped put down an Indian uprising or two, finally making the Indians retreat to a reservation, where they would be harmless. Thereafter, Jim is given the assignment to oust the menacing 'boss' of county Kimball. He insists on prosecuting the kingpin for a double murder. Everyone thinks he's crazy to risk his life, and theirs. During the trial, Jim senses that things aren't going his way. So, he badgers the reluctant key witness until he admits he saw the murders and who committed them. Then, he badgers the jury to come up with a guilty verdict. The judge gives him a 50 year prison sentence. In appreciation for instilling courage in the citizens of the county to overthrow their tyrant, they present Jim with a ranch in their county. The original idea was for Sam to become the new kingpin, but Jim nixed that idea. Interestingly, Gabby Hayes was the judge. This is the most interesting episode in the film for me.
After this turn of events, Sam proceeded to make his gang the terror of Texas, committing a variety of crimes, Sam being dubbed the PokeDot bandit for his kerchief. Jim is given the task of bringing Sam in, but he refuses and quits The Rangers. But, he is arrested for past crimes with Sam. Wahoo , instead, goes in search of Sam, but is killed by Sam, for trying to double crossing him. Jim then changes his attitude toward Sam, and receives a reprieve if he brings Sam in. He finds Sam and they have a standoff, neither winning. Inviting Sam to give himself in, Sam ignores this chance and Jim eventually kills him.
Especially, in the first half,Jack Oakie, as Wahoo, often acts clownish. Clearly, his brand of humor irritates some viewers, while others approve. I'm somewhere in between. I suspect that kids, in general, would give a higher approval rating.
Some complain that Indians are portrayed as only rapacious barbarians. Indeed, historically, some were at times, a charge that could equally be leveled at many Europeans.
Two women are featured at times. Jean Parker, as Amanda, daughter of the local commander of The Rangers. at first was put off by Jim's attitudes toward the proper rearing of a boy. But, she gradually came around, throwing herself at the confirmed bachelor, until he finally gave in....Then, there's Elena Martinez, who did womanly chores at Sam's headquarters, perhaps also serving as a 'comfort woman'.
In regard to the battle between the Indians and Rangers,, where the Rangers are way up on a mountain side, looking down at the Indians, many are hitting their target with pistols, which were designed for rather close range shooting. Also, some Indians get above them, and roll a bunch of large boulders down on the Rangers, like so many supersized bowling balls. Burt Lancaster did the same unlikely stunt in "Scalphunters"
See it in B&W at YouTube