Riders of Destiny (1933)

Bad guy Kincaid controls the local water supply and plans to do in the other ranchers. Government agent Saunders shows up undercover to do in Kincaid and win the heart of one of his victims Fay Denton.

Director:

Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:

Robert N. Bradbury (story) (as R.N. Bradbury)

Stars:

John Wayne, Cecilia Parker, Forrest Taylor

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Wayne	...	Singin' Sandy Saunders
Cecilia Parker	...	Fay Denton
Forrest Taylor	...	James Kincaid
George 'Gabby' Hayes	...	Charlie Denton (as George Hayes)
Al St. John	...	Bert - Henchman
Heinie Conklin	...	Elmer - Henchman
Yakima Canutt	...	Henchman
Earl Dwire	...	Slip Morgan
Lafe McKee	...	Sheriff Bill Baxter
Addie Foster	...	Mrs. Mason

Storyline

Kincade controls the area's water supply and is about to force the ranchers into contracts at exorbitant rates. Government Agent Saunders has a plan that will open up the lost river and dry up Kincade's supply. So he gets the ranchers to insist on a clause that Kincade's land will revert to the public if he fails to deliver water.

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Plot Keywords:

singing cowboy | b movie | b western | poverty row film | low budget film | 

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Taglines:

He Wrote The Code Of Justice With A Blazing Six-Gun! (1939 poster)

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Genres:

Music | Romance | Western

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Certificate:

Passed

Did You Know?

Trivia

The pre-recorded songs that John Wayne is pantomiming to as Singing Sandy have, in reality, a four-string ukulele instrument accompanying - not a six-string guitar. Furthermore, the rapid strumming technique is indicative of Hawaiian music that reached its zenith of popularity in the 20s, and might be viewed as something of an anomaly compared to the many cowboy songs that would emerge within a few years of this movie's date.

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Goofs

At 50 minutes, as Singin'Sandy chases the evil Kincaid, a modern power line/telephone pole, double poled high tension line, and even a radio tower can be clearly seen in the background. The power pole is to modern to even try to pass itself off as a telegraph pole, as does the one which can be seen by the side of the road behind Sandy as he gallops past.

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Quotes

James Kincaid: I've made Denton an offer he can't refuse.

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Alternate Versions

Later UK releases of this film were cut by 4 seconds to remove animal cruelty (a horse being ridden off a cliff into water) to comply with the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937.

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Connections

Featured in John Wayne: Behind the Scenes (2007)

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Soundtracks

Song of the Wild
(uncredited)
Composer unknown
Performed by John Wayne

User Reviews

Remarkably good, one of directors' best, great cast

This movie is surprisingly good. Director Robert North Bradbury, actor Bob Steele's father, did some of his best work here.

There is an attention to detail in this film that is missing from too many B Westerns.

The cast is top flight, with John Wayne, even this early, showing that personality that led him to become the single most popular movie star in the history of Hollywood. (Yes, even today there is no single star who has sold as many tickets.)

Al St. John, later known as "Fuzzy," plays a different kind of role, but still shows himself the champion scene stealer.

Cecilia Parker was a doll, cute, perky, with animated features that should have led her into more fame.

The stunt work shows the hand of that master, Yakima Canutt, who is also cast in a minor part.

All in all, this movie is about as much fun as any one film can be; it is more than worth watching: it is worth watching again.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 October 1933 (USA)

Also Known As:

Den maskerede røver

Filming Locations:

Andy Jauregui Ranch - Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paul Malvern Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

53 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Balsley & Phillips Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1