Ride Him, Cowboy

Ride Him, Cowboy, released in 1932, is an American pre-code western movie that features legendary actor John Wayne in the leading role as John Drury, combined with the genuineness of Ruth Hall as Ruth Gaunt, Bill Janney as Lew Gaunt, and Duke, an extraordinary horse that steals the show in his individual right. The engaging and vigorous screenplay of the film was penned by Scott Mason. This heart-rolling and adrenaline-pumping western film is ably directed by the widely recognized director, Fred Allen, who steers the epic adventure with trademark craft and precision.

Set in the early days of the Wild West, the narrative introduces us to John Drury, a rugged and handsome stranger who rides into a small town somewhere in California. He saves a horse, Duke, from being put down and instead, tames it. John's daredevil riding style and admirable bravery swiftly earn him the respect and admiration of the local townsfolk, especially the beautiful Ruth Gaunt. However, his endeavours also attract the attention of the town's malicious elements, setting the plot in motion.

Ruth Hall, as Ruth Gaunt, is a charming, down-to-earth woman who eventually becomes the romantic interest of John. She is the proprietor of the local ranch and has a younger brother, Lew Gaunt, played by Bill Janney. Lew is a good-hearted but somewhat naive local resident who finds himself an unwilling pawn in the plot orchestrated by the town's outlaws. The layering of character arcs and interplay establishes both personal stakes and riveting action sequences.

Duke, the horse, is an intriguing character in his own right and forms the crux of the narrative. After being framed for causing fatal accidents, Duke is sentenced to death. It's here that our daring protagonist John, displaying both sensitivity and bravery, steps in to save and tame Duke. The substantial bond that develops between John and Duke is heartwarming, and Duke's clever heroics in assisting John with confronting the villains make for several action-packed horseback chase sequences.

The antagonist of the story adds thrilling layers to the narrative. He's a ruthless criminal mastermind masquerading as a respectable citizen during the daytime while leading a band of outlaws at night, cloaked under a pseudonym. This double-identity villain brings multiple challenges and clashes for our protagonist to confront, providing substantial tension to the storyline.

Furthermore, Ride Him, Cowboy stands out with its thoughtful blend of romance and situational comedy, enriching the storyline brilliantly. The romance between John and Ruth Gaunt is finely nuanced and engaging, while comic elements offset tension without hampering the plot progression.

The cinematography of Ride Him, Cowboy captures the essence of an era long past. The dusty trails, sprawling ranches, traditional wooden architecture, and sweeping landscapes bring a vibrant, believable aesthetic to the depictions of the Old West. The movie excels at utilizing the great outdoors as a fundamental narrative element.

John Wayne's early-career performance in Ride Him, Cowboy remains a notable entry in his exhaustive filmography. His portrayal of John Drury is marked by the calm, assertive charisma that would later become his signature style. His chemistry with Ruth Hall, who brings her own grace to the role of Ruth Gaunt, is organic and compelling. The supporting actors, especially the rank of outlaws, perform their roles effectively, with each character provided depth and relevance to the overall narrative.

Ride Him, Cowboy is an unmissable entry among John Wayne's early films, invigoratingly conveying a gamut of emotions and decisive moments. This deep-dive into the heart of the historic Western era is a well-cast, well-written drama that offers suspense, action, comedy, and romance, all delicately intertwined. Whether you are a die-hard fan of western classics or someone looking for an adventurous ride through cinema history, Ride Him, Cowboy serves as a splendid example of the genre's timeless appeal.