This film essentially begins with a cowboy known only as "the Virginian" (Gary Cooper) riding into the town of Medicine Bow, Wyoming and meeting an old friend named "Steve" (Richard Arlen). Naturally, wanting to hear how each of them have been doing, they both go into a nearby saloon to have a drink and remanence. While there, however, the Virginian gets into a argument with an hombre by the name of "Trampas" (Walter Huston) which almost ends in a gunfight. Fortunately, Trampas backs down and everything returns to normal. Not long afterward, an attractive woman named "Molly Stark Wood" (Mary Brian) arrives by stagecoach which quickly captures the attention of both the Virginian and Steve. To that end, a rivalry of sorts breaks out between them but, being good friends, neither of them become angry with the other. Their friendship, however, is sorely tested when Steve starts hanging out with Trampas-and things begin to get much worse from that point on. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I was pleasantly surprised at how good this film was--especially considering the year it was produced. Of particular interest was the dramatic scene involving the Virginian and Steve which clearly highlighted the acting abilities of Gary Cooper. Having said that, I will admit that this film is extremely dated and, for that reason, some allowances need to be made. Be that as it may, I enjoyed this movie and I have rated it accordingly.
Review of The Virginian
