Man in the Saddle *** (1951, Randolph Scott, Alexander Knox, Joan Leslie, Ellen Drew, Richard Rober, John Russell) – Classic Movie Review 6691

Director André De Toth churns out another in his notable series of Randolph Scott Western in 1951, and it is hardly a surprise that there is a lot of gunsmoke and death on the range.

Scott stars as Owen Merrit, who is involved in a land feud and a romantic tussle with ruthless wealthy rancher Will Isham (Alexander Knox) and cowboy Hugh Clagg (John Russell) over Owen’s old flame, Laure Bidwell (Joan Leslie) and Nan Melotte (Ellen Drew). Isham marries Laure, setting the cat among the pigeons.

Man in the Saddle does not sound much but this turns out to be a decent yarn with interesting characters, scripted by Kenneth Gamet, and based on a novel by Stagecoach writer Ernest Haycox, which provides an above-average Technicolor B-Western, or at least co-feature.

There is a stalwart cast, giving lusty performances, led by a sturdy turn from Scott, all on good form, fine cinematography by Charles Lawton Jr, good action scenes and capable direction by De Toth.

Also in the cast of Man in the Saddle are Richard Rober, Guinn ‘Big Boy’ Williams, Alfonso Bedoya, Clem Bevans, Cameron Mitchel, Richard Crane, Frank Sully, George Lloyd, James Kirkwood, Frank Hagney, Don Beddoe and Frank Ellis.

This 87-minute Renown production is released by Columbia, written  by Kenneth Gamet, shot in Technicolor by Charles Lawton Jr, produced by Harry Joe Brown and Randolph Scott, scored by George Duning and designed by George Brooks.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 6691

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