Texas Terror

Texas Terror is a timeless classic from 1935, directed by Robert N. Bradbury and featuring iconic Hollywood star John Wayne who is unimaginatively remembered for his cowboy roles. Co-starring with Wayne are Lucile Browne and LeRoy Mason, each displaying resonating performances that helped shape the golden age of Hollywood.

In this early western film, John Wayne plays the role of Sheriff John Higgins who experiences an intense tumult of emotions as a result of his actions. His larger-than-life persona is put into question, but remains true to his knightly image by avoiding to succumb to the darkness that threatens his integrity, character, and career.

The narrative begins as the man of duty, Sheriff John Higgins, wrongfully blames himself for his best friend's death in a botched bank robbery, leading him to hang up his badge and retreat into self-imposed exile. He settles in a remote hideaway located within the heart of Texas. His self-exile takes a turn when he becomes a friend to a local native tribe, and with time, he begins to rediscover his purpose and strength.

His recompense journey is a cornerstone of the film, and with the aid of his loyal, comedic sidekick played by the unforgettable character actor, George 'Gabby' Hayes, they drive the narrative forward into unexpected turns and captures the audience's attention throughout. Together, they offer a balanced mix of action, drama, and light-hearted humor that remains engaging even after eighty-five years of its production.

Meanwhile, we see the enigmatically beautiful Lucile Browne as Bess Matthews, daughter of the deceased best friend. Her return to town, unaware of her father's demise, triggers a series of events. Lucile Browne’s performance as a strong-willed and independent Western woman helps to balance the predominantly male cast and adds a touch of romance and tenderness to the rugged cowboy scenes.

Sheriff Higgins learns of Bess's arrival and his sense of duty reignites, driving him to reface his past, in a bid to protect her from impending danger and possibly redeem himself in the process through love. John Wayne portrays this transformation convincingly, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his acting ability.

The antagonist of the piece, LeRoy Mason, shines in his role as the diabolical Blackie, whose devious plot for Bess and her land accentuates the conflict in the film. He isn't just a foil, but his actions give a glimpse into the wider world of lawlessness and mischief that riddles the Wild West. Mason's character is portrayed effectively, creating a contemporary contrast to Wayne's noble cowboy.

Texas Terror, while quintessentially a western, isn't solely focused on stunts and horseback pursuits. It offers a heartfelt narrative, an exploration of guilt, redemption, friendship, and love. The natural, sprawling Texan backdrop enhances the film's ambience, juxtaposing moments of seclusion with bursts of community energy visible in the dance sequences or the climax scene.

The entertaining sequences involving horse races, dances, and fights keep the mood light and add a genuine 1930s Western charm to the narrative. The film also showcases an authentic Native American presence, underlining the value of friendship beyond racial and ethnic boundaries – a rarity in films from that era.

In essence, Texas Terror is a catalyst to John Wayne's illustrious career as a leading man, offering us a glimpse into his early work and the kind of character he would consistently portray-heroic, righteous, and unstoppable. Moreover, Bradbury's direction, combined with the commendable cinematography, yielded equitable amounts of action, moral dilemma, and romance laced with instances of comedy, making it an enjoyable watch across generations of viewers.

With a runtime of barely over fifty minutes, Texas Terror does an excellent job of delivering a compact yet comprehensive tale that engages viewers until the very end. This vintage piece of cinema still stands as a shining testament to Hollywood's golden era, a time when storytelling took precedence and allowed actors the opportunity to truly engage with their characters. Whether you're a fan of classic westerns, the masterful John Wayne, or just a lover of timeless cinema, Texas Terror is a compelling feature worth watching.