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Randolph Scott was one of
Hollywood's greatest and most popular western stars, and from 1928
to 1962, he made just over 100 films.
Being a Randolph Scott fan, I was pleased to find that Turner
Classic Movies had their Randolph Scott Day and I sat through all
the films most of the day. I may have dosed off a few times, but I
did have a favorite which I would like to give you my synopsis of
this film. This
one stars Randolph Scott as Larry Madden and Dorothy Malone as Corinna Ordway.
And now, Randolph Scott Stars! (I forgot the title)
My Synopsis:
Still seeking revenge against
ranch owner Tuck Ordway for publicly whipping him years earlier and
breaking up his relationship with Ordway's daughter, cowboy Larry
Madden plans to oust Ordway from his ranch by having his claim to
the land declared invalid. Ordway's daughter Corinna, believing
Madden to be the cause of the family's recent misfortunes, is
unaware that the local saloon owner also has designs upon the Ordway
holdings.
Being army veterans, just
mustered out of the service, they go to the one of the men's
brothers ranch on their way West. Just as they arrive, Indians
attack the ranch and kill the brother. The brother was killed
because he was using faulty ammunition that did not fire. Buck
Devlin, whose brother was killed, musters out of the service with
pals John and Wilbur and vows to find the men responsible for the
crime. (Hummm, that doesn't sound like the movie I was
describing, does it? Oh well, it doesn't really matter.)
The territorial marshal
arrives in town with a signed declaration, by the president of the
United States, stating the ranch and property currently owned by
Tuck Ordway is invalid because he never declared his claim to the
proper authorities when he took possession of the land. This news
immediately cause a land rush by the town's people for the now
available land.
Returning to Fort Lincoln,
Captain Benson learns of Custer's defeat at the Little Big Horn. At
the inquiry as Custer's Officers blame Custer for the defeat, Benson
tries to defend him. But Benson was suspiciously absent at the time
of the battle and is now despised by the troops. So when an order to
retrieve the bodies from the battlefield arrives, Benson volunteers
for the dangerous mission of returning back into Indian territory. (Hummm, that doesn't sound like the movie I was
describing, does it? Oh well, it doesn't really matter.)
Having lost his horse in a
bet, Pat Brennan hitches a ride with a stagecoach carrying
newlyweds, Willard and Doretta Mims. At the next station the coach
and its passengers fall into the hands of a trio of outlaws headed
by a man named Usher. When Usher learns that Doretta is the daughter
of a rich copper-mine owner, he decides to hold her for ransom.
Tension builds over the next 24 hours as Usher awaits a response to
his demands and as a romantic attachment grows between Brennan and
Doretta. (Hummm, that doesn't sound like the movie I was describing,
does it? Oh well, it doesn't really matter.)
At the end of the land rush,
Larry Madden thinks he is the first to get to Tuck Ordway's ranch
house and claim it for himself. But he finds his ex-lawyer has been
waiting there for two hours to make sure he get the house. Madden
kills the lawyer (they knew what to do in those days) and gives the
ranch house back to Ordway. This action makes Ordway's daughter love
Madden again, and they all lived happily ever after in the little
ranch house. (Disclaimer: No lawyers were harmed during the filming
of this picture)
As I read this it doesn't
make a lot of sense, but I swear this is what I saw as I watched
intensely. But after all, it doesn't really matter.
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