Blue Steel (1934)

U.S. marshal John Carruthers observes a robbery and Sheriff Jake thinks he may be the culprit. Meanwhile the town's leading citizen is planning to rob everybody blind.

Director:

Robert N. Bradbury (as Robert Bradbury)

Writers:

Robert N. Bradbury (story) (as Robert Bradbury), Robert N. Bradbury (screen play) (as Robert Bradbury)

Stars:

John Wayne, Eleanor Hunt, George 'Gabby' Hayes

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Wayne	...	John Carruthers
Eleanor Hunt	...	Betty Mason
George 'Gabby' Hayes	...	Sheriff Jake Withers (as George Hayes)
Edward Peil Sr.	...	Malgrove (as Edward Peil)
Yakima Canutt	...	Danti - the Polka Dot Bandit
Lafe McKee	...	Dan Mason
George Cleveland	...	Hank - Innkeeper
Earl Dwire	...	Henchman

Storyline

When Sheriff Jake sees a man at the safe and then finds the payroll gone, he trails him. Just as he is about to arrest him, the man saves his life. Still suspicious, he joins up with the man and later they learn that Melgrove, the towns leading citizen, is trying to take over the area's ranches by having his gang stop all incoming supply wagons. With the ranchers about to sell to Melgrove, the two newcomers say they will bring in provisions.

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Plot Keywords:

b movie | b western | poverty row film | low budget film | double feature film | 

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Taglines:

HE TURNED MAN-HUNTER TO RUN DOWN A GANG OF OF THIEVING SCOUNDRELS! (1939 reissue poster-all caps)

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Western

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 May 1934 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blue Steel

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paul Malvern Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

54 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Malgrove's house is the same house as Juanita's house in The Desert Trail (1935) and as the Matlock ranch-house in The Star Packer (1934).

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Goofs

After Caruthers rescues Sheriff Winters from the river they both go into a cave. Instead of both being soaked there are only a few water spots on the Sheriff's trousers.

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Quotes

[the bridegroom returns to the front desk]
Hank, innkeeper: Well, speak up, young man. What is it?
The bridegroom: I can't find it.
Hank, innkeeper: You can't?
The bridegroom: Nope.
Hank, innkeeper: Well, whatever have you lost?
The bridegroom: I ain't lost nothin'!
Hank, innkeeper: Well, what in the world is it you can't find?
The bridegroom: Well, ah, you see its, ah...
[giggles]
[...]

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Alternate Versions

Also available in a computer colorized version.

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Connections

Remake of Galloping Thru (1931)

User Reviews

Great Scenery And Action

Mystery man John Wayne assists Sheriff George (pre-Gabby) Hayes in his search for polka-dot bandit Yakima Canutt and in the course of the investigation, uncovers a plot by a crooked mining company to steal land from innocent property owners.

Blue Steel is quite possibly the best film Wayne made during his tenure as a Lone Star/Monogram Pictures contract star, helped along by some great camera work, editing, and excellent use of locations, as well as some nice work by legendary stuntman Canutt. The special effect at the film's climax is also pretty good for a poverty row production.

In one scene, some metal power-lines are clearly visible atop a ridge!

Lastly, a colorized version blandly retitled Stolen Goods looks really neat and is worth checking out, that is if you're not an old fuddy-duddy!