1928 - Alderson High School - 1968

 

 

Starring: Randolph Scott In:
"The One Big Long Movie!"

Barry Worrell  - August 20, 2013

Randolph Scott was one of Hollywood's greatest and most popular western stars, and from 1928 to 1962, he made just over 100 films. Being a Randolph Scott fan, I was pleased to find that Turner Classic Movies had their Randolph Scott Day and I sat through all the films most of the day. I may have dosed off a few times, but I did have a favorite which I would like to give you my synopsis of this film. This one stars Randolph Scott as Larry Madden and Dorothy Malone as Corinna Ordway.

And now, Randolph Scott Stars! (I forgot the title)

My Synopsis:
Still seeking revenge against ranch owner Tuck Ordway for publicly whipping him years earlier and breaking up his relationship with Ordway's daughter, cowboy Larry Madden plans to oust Ordway from his ranch by having his claim to the land declared invalid. Ordway's daughter Corinna, believing Madden to be the cause of the family's recent misfortunes, is unaware that the local saloon owner also has designs upon the Ordway holdings.

Being army veterans, just mustered out of the service, they go to the one of the men's brothers ranch on their way West. Just as they arrive, Indians attack the ranch and kill the brother. The brother was killed because he was using faulty ammunition that did not fire. Buck Devlin, whose brother was killed, musters out of the service with pals John and Wilbur and vows to find the men responsible for the crime. (Hummm, that doesn't sound like the movie I was describing, does it? Oh well, it doesn't really matter.)

The territorial marshal arrives in town with a signed declaration, by the president of the United States, stating the ranch and property currently owned by Tuck Ordway is invalid because he never declared his claim to the proper authorities when he took possession of the land. This news immediately cause a land rush by the town's people for the now available land.

Returning to Fort Lincoln, Captain Benson learns of Custer's defeat at the Little Big Horn. At the inquiry as Custer's Officers blame Custer for the defeat, Benson tries to defend him. But Benson was suspiciously absent at the time of the battle and is now despised by the troops. So when an order to retrieve the bodies from the battlefield arrives, Benson volunteers for the dangerous mission of returning back into Indian territory. (Hummm, that doesn't sound like the movie I was describing, does it? Oh well, it doesn't really matter.)

Having lost his horse in a bet, Pat Brennan hitches a ride with a stagecoach carrying newlyweds, Willard and Doretta Mims. At the next station the coach and its passengers fall into the hands of a trio of outlaws headed by a man named Usher. When Usher learns that Doretta is the daughter of a rich copper-mine owner, he decides to hold her for ransom. Tension builds over the next 24 hours as Usher awaits a response to his demands and as a romantic attachment grows between Brennan and Doretta. (Hummm, that doesn't sound like the movie I was describing, does it? Oh well, it doesn't really matter.)

At the end of the land rush, Larry Madden thinks he is the first to get to Tuck Ordway's ranch house and claim it for himself. But he finds his ex-lawyer has been waiting there for two hours to make sure he get the house. Madden kills the lawyer (they knew what to do in those days) and gives the ranch house back to Ordway. This action makes Ordway's daughter love Madden again, and they all lived happily ever after in the little ranch house. (Disclaimer: No lawyers were harmed during the filming of this picture)

As I read this it doesn't make a lot of sense, but I swear this is what I saw as I watched intensely. But after all, it doesn't really matter.
 

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