This is supposed to be based on Zane Grey's novel of the same name. Having read the novel, the link between the two is pretty tenuous.
During the Civil War, a wagon train makes the journey from Independence to Sacramento, fighting the elements and the Native Americans along the way.
At the time it was released it was compared to "The Big Trail", and that is the film that came to mind when i first saw "Fighting caravans." "The Big Trail" had striking vistas - utterly unforgettable -with attention to detail - the only western I have seen with covered wagons pulled by oxen - as many wagons would have been. "The Big Trail" was short on subplot and characterisation; the acting in it was not up to much either. "Fighting Caravans" might not have the oxen, but it has the subplots and the good acting.
Gary Cooper, Ernest Torrence and Tully Marshall play the parts of three scouts. The latter two try to prevent Cooper from falling in love with Damita, who, as she is on her own, is constantly needing help. The acting of all four is superb. Ernest Torrence has the best part, so he turns in the best performance - head and shoulders above anybody else.
And yet, if I had a choice between which of the two films I would watch, it would be "The Big Trail" every time. You see, in spite of the TBT's shortcomings, it is efficiently directed. "Fighting Caravans" however, is badly put together in the cutting room, especially in the first third of the film.
It is worth watching just to see Ernest Torrance in action.
During the Civil War, a wagon train makes the journey from Independence to Sacramento, fighting the elements and the Native Americans along the way.
At the time it was released it was compared to "The Big Trail", and that is the film that came to mind when i first saw "Fighting caravans." "The Big Trail" had striking vistas - utterly unforgettable -with attention to detail - the only western I have seen with covered wagons pulled by oxen - as many wagons would have been. "The Big Trail" was short on subplot and characterisation; the acting in it was not up to much either. "Fighting Caravans" might not have the oxen, but it has the subplots and the good acting.
Gary Cooper, Ernest Torrence and Tully Marshall play the parts of three scouts. The latter two try to prevent Cooper from falling in love with Damita, who, as she is on her own, is constantly needing help. The acting of all four is superb. Ernest Torrence has the best part, so he turns in the best performance - head and shoulders above anybody else.
And yet, if I had a choice between which of the two films I would watch, it would be "The Big Trail" every time. You see, in spite of the TBT's shortcomings, it is efficiently directed. "Fighting Caravans" however, is badly put together in the cutting room, especially in the first third of the film.
It is worth watching just to see Ernest Torrance in action.