In this typical low-budget early 1930's western (predating the Duke's star-making role in 1939's 'Stagecoach'), a youthful John Wayne plays John Brant (aka 'Smith'), who is on the lam after being falsely arrested for murder. He ends up riding with a group of desperados led by Ed Walsh (the immortal Yakima Canutt) hoping to find the real killer while the local 'starpacker' closes in. Of course the Duke plays a straight-shooting white-hat, so Brant has to pretend to participate in the gang's nefarious deeds while actually foiling them (plus taking some time to spark Sally (Nancy Shubert), the pretty shopkeeper). Standard bargain-basement horse opera with lots of coincidences, unrealistic brawls, and unsubtle acting. On the plus side, there are plenty of great horse-riding stunts (Canutt was also the Duke's stunt double) and, as the film was shot in Bronson Canyon, you get to watch a stagecoach being driven into the Batcave (!). Oddly, the film opens with a city scene that includes cars, so despite looking like a standard oater, the story must have taken place only a few years before the film was made in 1933 (this may explain 'goofs' comments that you can see powerlines etc. in the background). The film is OK but is likely only really appealing to fans of Wayne or of Yakima Canutt.
Review of Sagebrush Trail
