Stand Up and Fight

Stand Up and Fight is a 1939 American adventure film, combining aspects of drama, action, romance and period accuracy, to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience. The movie is directed by the highly acclaimed W.S. Van Dyke, a man well known for his work on the Thin Man series and Tarzan the Ape Man. Screenplay of the film is given by James M. Cain, Jane Murfin and John Lee Mahin; Art Direction by Cedric Gibbons and wardrobe by Dolly Tree. Filmed in black and white and set in Maryland in the 19th Century, the movie is produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a dominant force in the global entertainment industry.

Wallace Beery, the leading man of numerous box-office hits throughout the 1930s, takes on the role of Blake Cantrell, a hard-nosed plantation owner going through hard financial times. His plantation is facing bankruptcy due to a series of unfortunate events and bad luck. He's pursued by creditors and has an uneasy stance in his own domain. Nevertheless, he maintains an unfettered spirit and an undying resolve to reclaim his fortunes.

Robert Taylor, known for his distinguished, handsome persona graces the screen as the other leading man, playing the character of Hamish Bond. Over the course of the movie, Bond is a magnetic character who is both a foil and an ally to Cantrell. His daring exploits, braveness in the face of danger and his cavalier nature contrast sharply with Cantrell's more grounded and temperate demeanor. He adds a touch of vibrancy to an otherwise serious storyline.

Florence Rice, playing the role of Susan Griffith adds depth and emotion to the story. A character caught up in the tumultuous lives of Cantrell and Bond, she offers a sensitive, honest, and passionate performance. Her role adds a romantic element to the otherwise action-packed narrative, by bringing in a subtle love triangle which is beautifully woven into the main plot.

The story traces the lives of these characters as they are thrust into a world of ruthless competition with booming stagecoach businesses. We see friendships form, alliances break, love interests develop, morals being challenged, and underlying all of this, the brutal and often raw reality of business rivalries. The use of racing stagecoaches as a backdrop provides plenty of opportunity for high-speed chases and thrilling action sequences, with instances of Hollywood's Golden Age spectacle on full display.

The film capably balances its energy-laden sequences with thoughtful dramatic moments, allowing the viewers to connect more deeply with the characters and their struggles. We see Beery's character wrestling with both emotional and financial challenges, his nature being sorely tested, and his transformation being sketched out against the backdrop of a whole new mode of commerce taking root. Meanwhile, Taylor's character, more flamboyant, and daring, paints a starkly different image, his bold actions and unflappable charm providing an interesting contrast to Beery's character.

As the plot unfolds, viewers are introduced to an array of unique and captivating side characters that add color to the narrative. And through it all, the presence of Florence Rice's character offers an interesting ripple in the turbulent waters of cutthroat business and personal duels. Stand Up and Fight indeed supports the kind of grit, determination, and resilience implied in its title but does so in an engrossing fashion that holds attention from start to finish.

Adding to the movie's allure is its visual appeal and the attention to detail in the recreation of its historic setting. From the meticulous costuming to the grand sets mimicking stately plantations and rowdy saloons, the film immerses viewers in the world of Victorian-era America, lending a timeless authenticity to the story. It becomes more than a backdrop, but rather a character in itself, helping drive the dramatic narrative.

The film’s cinematography is top-notch, breathing life into the story with its dynamic framing and intelligent use of light and shadow. It takes full advantage of the impressive sets and costuming, while also capturing the emotion and energy during the adventure sequences.

Stand Up and Fight is, at its heart, an adventure film driven by strong performances and picturesque visuals. A combination of high spirits, palpable tension, hard-won friendships, and business rivalries set in a backdrop of merciless competition, Stand Up and Fight offers the audience an immersive journey into the past, delivering at the same time the classic Hollywood charm.