Pony Soldier [MacDonald of the Canadian Mounties] *** (1952, Tyrone Power, Cameron Mitchell, Thomas Gomez) Classic Movie Review 10,154

Director Joseph M Newman’s 1952 Pony Soldier [MacDonald of the Canadian Mounties] stars Tyrone Power as Pony Soldier Duncan MacDonald of the Canadian Mounties, who tries to keep Canadian outlaw Cree Indians from going down the wrong path – the warpath.

Pony Soldier is an over-familiar but plenty lively enough outdoor action Western, with an impressive performance from the dashing Power.

The fine 20th Century Fox production, Harry Jackson’s spectacular Technicolor cinematography and Alex North’s resounding score are major trumps in the film’s winning hand.

It also features Cameron Mitchell as a Cree Indian called Konah, Robert Horton, Thomas Gomez, Penny Edwards, Adeline De Walt Reynolds, Anthony Earl Numkena as Comes Running, Howard Petrie as Inspector Frazer, Stuart Randall as Standing Bear, Richard Shackleton, James Hayward, Muriel Landers and Frank DeKova.

It is set in Canada, but was shot in Arizona, including Coconino National Forest, and in Red Rock Canyon State Park, California.

And, yes, it is a major movie that runs just 82 minutes. The alternative title MacDonald of the Canadian Mounties is almost longer than the film.

The Pony Express is directed by Joseph M Newman, runs 82 minutes, is made by 20th Century Fox, is released by 20th Century Fox, is written by John C Higgins, based on the story by Garnett Weston, is shot in Technicolor by Harry Jackson, is produced by Samuel G Engel, and is scored by Alex North.

It was released on 19 December 1952 (US).

It was the film debut of Earl Holliman.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,154

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