Alias the Bad Man

Alias the Bad Man is a classic western film that was released in the year 1931. This action-packed gem from the early decades of cinema, directed by Phil Rosen, stars beloved cowboy star Ken Maynard, his talented horse Tarzan, and the charming Virginia Brown Faire, who together drive this thrilling narrative in the classic American West setting.

The film begins with Ken Mitchell (played by Ken Maynard) who is a lawman sent undercover to infiltrate a notorious outlaw gang in the rustic and rough terrains of the Southwest. He takes on the persona of the Bad Man to accomplish his mission. Through this daring and risky masquerade, Ken Mitchell joins the gang of rustlers who have been menacing the local ranchers for a while.

As Ken delves deeper into his undercover role, he encounters hard truths and experiences several thrilling adventures, and many a times he has to make some decisions that truly test his allegiance and integrity. The plot of the film is beautifully churned around Ken's experiences in the outlaw gang, his daring feats, and close calls with death.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Alias the Bad Man is the role of the horse Tarzan. In this film, Tarzan is not just a horse, but acts as Ken Maynard's loyal partner, sidekick and saviour, offering an engaging dynamic between man and beast in the storyline. Tarzan’s intelligent performances and thoughtful maneuvers, often becoming a hero in his own right, add a unique charm to this film.

Virginia Brown Faire perfectly portrays the love interest, the character of 'Marian Warner,' who adds an amorous angle to the narrative. She does an excellent job of not just playing the typical damsel in distress but also portrays strength and resilience indicative of the era. Her support to Ken during his challenges and her belief in Ken’s disguise bring an emotional touch to an otherwise action-filled plot.

Directed by Phil Rosen, the film successfully captures the raw and rugged aesthetics of the Wild West bringing to life the dangerous charm of the era. The director’s keen eye for details in costumes, settings, and camera lighting bring to life the 1930s American frontier landscape on screen. Action sequences that are full of suspense and tightly choreographed standoffs contribute to the film's overall allure and make for some truly breathtaking moments.

Cinematography by Ted D. McCord makes sure that each frame is a feast for the eyes and allows viewers to truly immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of the American West. The editing and transitions are crisp, leaving no dull moments throughout the movie and successfully maintaining the suspense. The sound design and score by the uncredited team are equally commendable. The background music running throughout the movie compliments the action perfectly, enhancing the thrilling rides and hurried chases of the film.

Ken Maynard's exceptional cowboy persona shines through this film, and not only is he believable in his character, he also brings a depth to his dual identities that ensures the audience is engaged throughout. It is his convincing portrayal of a lawman grappling the challenges of the underworld that drives the film's engrossing narrative.

There's something captivating about watching the dynamic between Ken and Tarzan on screen, and it's one of the highlights of Alias the Bad Man. Virginia Brown Faire's classic beauty and noteworthy acting skills tie the narrative together, rounding out the impressive performance line-up in this film.

Alias the Bad Man makes a mark as an exciting ride packed with thrilling suspense, engaging plot twists, endearing characters, and captivating visuals. Its depiction of loyalty, bravery, sacrifice, and justice is moving and compels viewers to stay invested from beginning to end. Even though it was produced over nine decades ago, this film retains its allure, offering timeless entertainment for both fans of the Western genre and cinema lovers in general. Without a doubt, Alias the Bad Man is an integral part of early Hollywood's contribution to the immortal genre of Westerns and continues to be appreciated by audiences today.