I just finished watching "The Round-Up" and I must say this film really surprised me. As it was Fatty Arbuckle's first full-length movie, I expected that it would star him and it would be a comedy. Neither was the case!
The film is set in the American west...in Arizona. Arbuckle plays the sheriff, Slim, but as I said, he's not the main character. The main story is about Dick and his friend, Jack. Dick is in the desert when he's attacked by renegade Indians led by Buck (Wallace Beery). They torture Dick to try to get information out of him but fortunately Dick is saved by the Mexican army. For months, Dick is convalescing, as he was on the brink of death. In the meantime, Jack and others from the town go looking for Dick and he's assumed to be dead. During this time, Jack falls in love with Dick's fiancé and they plan to marry.
Shortly before the wedding, Jack receives a letter from Dick. Selfishly, Jack destroys the letter. Later, on the day of the wedding, Dick arrives in town--only to find his girl is about to marry! He gives Jack the $3000 he owes him and leaves...vowing never to return. However, when the baddie Buck robs the express office and kills the guy working there, suspicion turns towards Jack. After all, where did he just get all that money? Slim and the posse go looking for Jack. What's next? See the film and find out yourself.
As a western, this is actually darned good for the time. The story is complicated but very interesting...as well as unique. And, the cinematography is exceptional--with a gorgeous setting. So, if you JUST go into the film looking for a nice western, it's a good bet. Arbuckle isn't bad in the film...but his part is clearly NOT comedic. And, the final line of the film will rip your guts out!!
The film is set in the American west...in Arizona. Arbuckle plays the sheriff, Slim, but as I said, he's not the main character. The main story is about Dick and his friend, Jack. Dick is in the desert when he's attacked by renegade Indians led by Buck (Wallace Beery). They torture Dick to try to get information out of him but fortunately Dick is saved by the Mexican army. For months, Dick is convalescing, as he was on the brink of death. In the meantime, Jack and others from the town go looking for Dick and he's assumed to be dead. During this time, Jack falls in love with Dick's fiancé and they plan to marry.
Shortly before the wedding, Jack receives a letter from Dick. Selfishly, Jack destroys the letter. Later, on the day of the wedding, Dick arrives in town--only to find his girl is about to marry! He gives Jack the $3000 he owes him and leaves...vowing never to return. However, when the baddie Buck robs the express office and kills the guy working there, suspicion turns towards Jack. After all, where did he just get all that money? Slim and the posse go looking for Jack. What's next? See the film and find out yourself.
As a western, this is actually darned good for the time. The story is complicated but very interesting...as well as unique. And, the cinematography is exceptional--with a gorgeous setting. So, if you JUST go into the film looking for a nice western, it's a good bet. Arbuckle isn't bad in the film...but his part is clearly NOT comedic. And, the final line of the film will rip your guts out!!