The Man From Monterey is a John Wayne Film not to be taken seriously. It is a flat out comedy with Wayne's horse "Duke The Wonder Horse" saving the day, Luis Alberni in drag most of the film, outlaws led by Jake Morgan ( Slim Whitaker) as heroes, and a sword fight that belongs in Leon Schlesinger's Merrie Melodies ( yes he produced this movie and Bugs Bunny cartoons), instead of say an Errol Flynn movie). Captain John Holmes ( Wayne) is also a much lighter Wayne character then you see in most of his pre-codes. Here he plays an army captain, Post Mexican/American War who needs to have Spanish Land Holders record their land with the US Government to protect them from carpetbaggers and crooks. Of course, he does have time to romance Delores ( Ruth Hall), who is actually in the Top 20 Wayne Love Interests ever, whose father Don Jose is one of the landowners. Of course, there are problems. Don Jose's supposed best friend Don Pablo opposes the recording so he can steal Don Jose's land, and his son Don Luis wants to marry Delores for her money while still fooling around with Anita ( Nina Quartero). Spoilers ahead: As you can guess the bad guys are captured, Don Jose's land is saved, and John ends up with Delores. All of this in less then an hour. Again a fun movie. 9/10 stars
Review of The Man from Monterey
