The Big Trail

Films/DVD Asylum

Movies from comedy to drama to your favorite Hollyweird Star.

I finished watching this 1930 John Wayne vehicle last night. In looking at IMDb, this appeared to be Wayne's fourth credited performance, and the performance which placed him in the public eye. It was also the first film shot in 70 mm. The D.V.D. is full screen, but I understand that there is also a very rare widescrean print.
Looking at a young John Wayne, I can see why he became the icon he did. Which is that he was the everyman. Bogart had more allure, Grant more sophistication, Douglas more looks. But Wayne was a regular looking guy who acted like most everyman, but who seemed more rugged than other actors of our time. He is distinctly American, which is why I think he is so popular. One can look for foreign actors who mirror, in some way, Bogart, Grant, et al. But there is no other John Wayne.
He stars in a rather simple film as an Indian Scout who leads a large wagon train from Missouri to California. There is a subplot wherein he is looking for three men who killed his best friend. They are on the wagon train in the form of the trail boss, played by Tyrone Power, Sr., who can only be described as being born to play Bluto.
Needless to say, they get where they are going, and the bad guys get their just desserts. It was refreshing to see some scenes that actually involve danger, such as a river crossing in the rain. The mud, water, rushing river, etc. would be computer generated today. Then, they actually had to create, or go to, the hazard. But the hazards really existed.
All in all, some stilted acting, some goofy dialog, some choppy editing, but a worthwhile view for Wayne fans, particularly those who are interested in seeing the young Wayne in a major film role.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

McShane Design

Topic - The Big Trail - jamesgarvin 08:40:29 03/30/05 (2)

Re: His three best roles - rico 10:34:19 03/30/05 (1)

Good choices....how about - danj 22:19:30 04/02/05 (0)

You can not post to an archived thread.