Hit the Saddle

Hit the Saddle is a classic black-and-white Western film released in 1937, offering a fair mix of action, comedy, and drama amid a backdrop of stunning landscapes. The movie, directed by Mack V. Wright, features a blend of seasoned actors and new talents such as Robert Livingston, Ray 'Crash' Corrigan, Max Terhune, and others, who effectively portray characters with intricate human realities and emotions, despite the genre's typical bravado.

The film's storyline is woven around three vigilante heroes – Tucson Smith (Robert Livingston), Stony Brooke (Ray Corrigan), and Lullaby Joslin (Max Terhune), collectively referred to as the Three Mesquiteers in a series of Republic Pictures westerns of the 1930s and 1940s. These three engaging characters are the heroes who are committed to maintaining law and order in the Old West, doing whatever is necessary to administer justice.

Hit the Saddle's plot opens with Rita Randall (portrayed by the spirited Peggy Keys), making a stunning effort to protect a wild herd of horses from being hunted down. She stages a deliberate attack on local herds, creating an impression of wild horse nuisance. She aims to encourage local ranchers to back the declaration of these horses as pest and support their extermination, allowing her to inherit the valuable 'Thundercloud' - stallion of the wild herd, known for its unique and rare color.

The robust narrative takes a turn when the Mesquiteers are lured into this quagmire of deception. They arrive in town to witness a bill passed by town representatives, who are manipulated by the scheming foreman, Rance McGowan (Edmund Cobb). The dilemma they face amplifies when they hear about the proposition to destroy the herd for the sake of safeguarding the local range.

The Three Mesquiteers find themselves in the middle of a delicate balance – uphold their principle to protect the innocent wild horses from being unduly mistreated or abide by the law that is evidently been manipulated to suit the self-interest of some cunning individuals? This arena of turbulence, deceit, and political dilemmas starts testing the heroes' wits and bravery. The choices they make, the actions they undertake, and the consequences they face, form the essence of the rest of the story.

What particularly stands out in Hit the Saddle are the character arcs of the three main heroes. In his role as Tucson Smith, Robert Livingston excels with his captivating charm, flawless comic timings, and gravity filled sequences. Ray Corrigan as Stony Brooke sparkles with his muscularity, natural flair in action sequences, and an overwhelming screen presence. Complementing these two is a delightful Max Terhune, who with his entertaining ventriloquist act, brings a unique blend of comedy and action.

Moreover, it is the searing performance by Peggy Keys as Rita Randall that stands out, with her unique mixture of vulnerability and defiant spirit, effectively drawing empathy and admiration from the audience. The additional ensemble cast, including Ed 'Oscar' Platt and Hooper Atchley, lends credible performances to make the narrative smoothly floating.

Though a classic Western, Hit the Saddle serves more than just a series of daring stunts and charming heroes. The film tactfully meanders through more profound themes of morality, justice, the essence of law and order, man's relationship with nature, and an inherent human instinct of greed.

Interspersed with an intricate storyline, notable performances, and stunning cinematography, this film showcases the culture of the old American West through a lens of adventure, wit, and muted melodrama. The movie promises you adventure, kept afloat with brief comedy and light-hearted sequences, never allowing the viewer's interest to wane.

In conclusion, Hit the Saddle is a memorable addition to the Western genre, taking audiences on a journey that puts their morals to the test, just as much as it puts the protagonist's. This 1937 classic doesn't cater only to fans of the genre, but anyone who appreciates good cinema, with its blend of action, comedy, and drama, spun together with a narrative that not only entertains but also provokes thought will find this intriguing.