Handsome young John Wayne (as Breck Coleman) helps settle the great American West by serving as scout for a pioneer wagon train. An expert trailblazer, Mr. Wayne was trained by good Indians. With Wayne's help, the travelers overcome both bad weather, and bad Indians. Bad acting is not so lucky. Along the way, Wayne falls for fetching young Marguerite Churchill (as Ruth Cameron). Another attempting to catch Ms. Churchill's eye is dressed-in-black gambler Ian Keith (as Bill Thorpe)...
This creaky film is, of course, most significant as Wayne's first shot at a starring role. Seeing this film confirms the "real" John Wayne premiered in "Stagecoach" (1939) - the difference is amazing. Raoul Walsh's "The Big Trail" is most impressive in its wide-screen photography, advanced by the director and photographer Arthur Edeson. Lucien Andriot's work is also good. The rest of the cast is interesting, at least; with stage star Tyrone Power Sr. (as Red Flack) leading the charge, in his only "talkie" appearance.
***** The Big Trail (10/24/30) Raoul Walsh ~ John Wayne, Marguerite Churchill, Tyrone Power Sr., David Rollins
This creaky film is, of course, most significant as Wayne's first shot at a starring role. Seeing this film confirms the "real" John Wayne premiered in "Stagecoach" (1939) - the difference is amazing. Raoul Walsh's "The Big Trail" is most impressive in its wide-screen photography, advanced by the director and photographer Arthur Edeson. Lucien Andriot's work is also good. The rest of the cast is interesting, at least; with stage star Tyrone Power Sr. (as Red Flack) leading the charge, in his only "talkie" appearance.
***** The Big Trail (10/24/30) Raoul Walsh ~ John Wayne, Marguerite Churchill, Tyrone Power Sr., David Rollins