Perfect cast and a good story

Good concept, poorly executed.

Fresh and Exciting

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

Producer: Robert Fellows. Copyright 6 October 1944 by RKO Radio Pictures, Inc. New York opening at the Palace: 14 December 1944. U.S. release: 29 September 1944. U.K. release: 7 May 1945. Australian release: 12 April 1945. 8,000 feet. 89 minutes.NOTES: Wayne's fist association with producer Robert Fellows with whom he was later to form Wayne-Fellows Productions. Wayne liked the script of this one (co-written by actor Paul Fix) so much he tried to persuade John Ford to direct. Although Ford declined, some members of the Ford stock company, notably Ward Bond and Russell Simpson, were signed on for the cast.COMMENT: One of Wayne's best westerns, with plenty of vigorously staged action, an intriguing plot, lots of interesting characters, loads of atmosphere, and an agreeably honed characterization for the Duke himself. It's tempting to say what a pity Ford knocked back this assignment, but Marin has actually done quite a super job. Of course he was helped no end by experts like Theron Warth (a graduate of RKO's film editing department, making his debut here as associate producer) and cinematographer Robert de Grasse.It's good to see Wayne re-united with some of the players from his early 30s career, most notably ultra-smooth villain Ward Bond, rough-house heavy Harry Woods, cowardly off-sider Paul Fix, helpful barkeep Cy Kendall and most particularly George Hayes, a real audience-pleaser here in a made-to-order role as a cantankerous, woman-hating stagedriver. (Wayne is also introduced as something of a cynical misogynist. "I never feel sorry for anything that happens to a woman," he answers an early leading question from Hayes, to that driver's surprise and evident delight. But his attitude noticeably softens later on in the presence of both ultra-feminine heroine Audrey Long and more masculine Ella Raines).Elisabeth Risdon's remarkably forceful performance as Miss Martin deserves special praise. We also liked Emory Parnell's blustering sheriff and Walter Baldwin's slovenly coach-stop man. In fact, all the characters are most skilfully played. Although Wayne rightly dominates the action, at more than one stage there are so many interesting characters jostling around in the background, they threaten to spill off the screen.Production values are A-1. In short, a first-class western.OTHER VIEWS: Exciting, fast-paced western, with a brilliant opening sequence, a delightfully aggressive heroine, fine photography, and a script that is as rich in characterization as in action and originality. Wayne has one of his best roles as the charmingly gutsy if somewhat cynical hero.

Enjoyable Western that even non-Wayne fans should find entertaining. Film blends equal parts mystery, bravado, romance, and humor in fairly smooth fashion. Mystery plot comes from actor-writer Paul Fix, comic relief from incomparable Gabby Hayes, while convincing bravado is supplied by you-know-who. Still and all, this is a Gabby Hayes showcase, and I would think a high point of his career ( he had just left the Hopalong series). In fact, the first ten minutes are among the funniest and most satisfying of any Western on record: the chemistry between Hayes and Wayne is simply terrific and easily tops that between Wayne and his two leading ladies. This is a fine "buddy" picture, even if the participants are wildly unequal in age and skills. My one complaint -- special effects and art direction. Scenic shots from Sedona, AZ, simply do not blend well with pedestrian shots from the San Fernando Valley, while shoddy process photography and occasional cheapjack sets also mar final result. Apparently Wayne still did not command a class A budget. Too bad. Still and all, fans of the Duke and those of all tastes could do a lot worse.

John Wayne steps knee-deep into murder, intrigue, and suspicion, when he rides out to take a ranch job. Shortly before he arrived, his soon-to-be employer was shot to death and sleazy judge Ward Bond is high on the list of suspects.Here, the Duke is in his prime and at his macho, swaggering best, while sidekick George "Gabby" Hayes has never been more entertaining or funnier. As a hard-case female rancher Ella Raines gives a great performance and is very beautiful, if a bit mean! She and Wayne have great chemistry, Mixing western themes with mystery and a bit of film-noir, Tall In The Saddle is fast-moving and has more twists and turns than a mountain road. If you blink, you might miss something.Highly recommended!

I'm a retired "old guy" that enjoys movies that are made well..and this movie is well worth watching. Not just for the slightly different ending, but the interplay between the actors is absolutely great. As an example, watch the Wayne-Hayes combination as Hayes drives the stage coach down a mountain grade. Hilarious!! Ella Raines is one of the most underrated actresses of her time. In this movie she shows a nice range of emotions exceedingly well. Raines is an absolutely gorgeous gal, especially in this movie!! My only complaint is that Audrey Long is under utilized in her role. Too bad as she had (and still has at age 86) CLASS with a capital "C"!!! In real life she was an absolute stunning beauty - one of the few times that the camera wasn't able to capture an actresses' true beauty (even though she looks great in the movie).Ward Bond, Gabby Hayes, and a host of recognizable others, all blend together to make watching this a very enjoyable experience.I have this movie on DVD and play it probably once a month (more when friends come over and request a viewing). And with each viewing, it only gets better.If you're not exactly a John Wayne fan, it doesn't matter, you'll find this movie well worth watching!