Tedfoldol everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Curapedi I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Ezmae Chang This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Scarlet The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

SanteeFats This is a very well done movie. John Wayne plays a cowboy named Rocklin (nice name huh?). Rocklin has been hired by what turns out to be the murdered owner of a ranch to investigate some misdoings. Ella Raines is the daughter who is extremely fiery. The poker scene is great. The young brother of Ella says a dead card is in play and challenges Wayne. He is unarmed and just goes upstairs. The men at the table tell the punk he had better leave. He doesn't and Wayne comes back downstairs with his gun on. The boy backs down and leaves. The next day Ella comes in to town, confronts John, and actually hits him with her quirt. This leads to Wayne getting the job as ranch foreman, finding the murderer, and getting the girl.

intelearts This is just simply a cracking movie with a great plot, a real western's western. there is something simple, uncontrived, and intrinsically right about Tall in the Saddle that most other western's try to capture. There are no Indians, no gold rush, no gunfighters, instead we get a simple plot about a man who discovers corruption and wants to do something about it.The film is beautifully shot, the B & W cinematography accents both the poverty at the stagecoach stop at the beginning and the light in the hills later on are outstanding.But for me what makes this really special is the outstanding romance, Haines is at her most stunning and simply drop-dead gorgeous here, and even 75 years on, she and the Duke light up the screen magnificently.All in all, a great movie: if Western's are about being strong while still caring, being independent, and about bravery then this is all it should be. Shame it's seen so seldom and so little known compared to Wayne's bigger films - definitely recommended.

MARIO GAUCI This one got shown on late-night Italian TV unheralded, after a proposed screening of Allan Dwan’s THE RIVER’S EDGE (1957) got barred by Fox! I’ve watched a few of John Wayne’s vehicles made between STAGECOACH (1939) and FORT APACHE (1948): while he was officially a star during this period, he wasn’t yet the screen legend everyone remembers and loves – consequently, most of the films he made in the interim tend to be overlooked. This is one of them and, I have to say, quite an underrated effort it is too! Made at RKO, it features their customary shadowy lighting – and, while essentially modest in approach, the narrative is absolutely brimming with action, twists, romance (Wayne gets to choose between two gals) and even comedy (provided by The Duke’s frequent sidekick from his early years, George “Gabby” Hayes). Wayne is obviously in his element and, typically, his character has to go through a lot to fight for his rights (while he’s introduced as a ranch-hand, it transpires that he’s actually the heir to the property!), his own well-being (he’s not only provoked into several brawls or made the target of assassination, but is even framed for murder!) and, of course, true love (one girl is assertive and tempestuous, the other genteel and naive).Ella Raines, best-known for her noir roles, looks great in cowboy gear as the former; when it seems she may lose Wayne to the latter – played by Audrey Long – it’s revealed that Wayne and Long’s characters are blood-related, thus conveniently solving the star’s emotional dilemma! The supporting cast includes Ward Bond (as the judge who tries to deceive both Wayne and Long out of their inheritance, he eventually engages in a violent fist-fight with Wayne which virtually turns his office into a shambles), Elizabeth Risdon (an insufferable and scheming old lady who’s domineering of charge Long and contemptuous of both Wayne and Hayes), Russell Wade (the young second lead of THE BODY SNATCHER [1945] appearing as Raines’ gambler brother), Paul Fix (like Bond, a long-time buddy of Wayne’s who here plays the part of an antagonist) and Frank Puglia (as Raines’ devoted Indian protector which causes an ambivalence towards Wayne).Characterizations are well above-par for an ‘oater’; the end result is highly watchable and entertaining – if, ultimately, a notch below The Duke’s standards of a few years later. The film was nevertheless released on DVD by Warners as part of a 5-Disc John Wayne collection (of which I already own BLOOD ALLEY [1955], one I’ve yet to watch myself, and THE SEA CHASE [1955]) – and I wouldn’t mind adding it to my collection if the opportunity presented itself…

wes-connors 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