RANGE FEUD
(director: D. Ross Lederman; screenwriter: Milton Krims; cinematographer: Benjamin Kline; editor: Maurice Wright; music: ; cast: Buck Jones (Sheriff Buck Gordon), John Wayne (Clint Turner), Susan Fleming (Judy Walton), Edward Le Saint (John Walton), William Walling (Dad Turner), Wallace MacDonald (Hank), Harry Woods (Vandall), Frank Austin (Jed Biggers), Blackjack Ward (Deputy Jack), Jack Curtis (Bartender Charlie); Runtime: 64; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: Irving Briskin; Columbia Pictures; 1931)
“Routine western that offers its own version of the Romeo and Juliet tale.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
Routine western that offers its own version of the Romeo and Juliet tale. A young John Wayne is in a supporting role to Buck Jones. It opens in church with Sheriff Buck Gordon (Buck Jones) telling newcomer rancher Walton (Edward Le Saint) and his stepfather Turner (William Walling) that the law is impartial and he must preserve law and order no matter what. Walton refuses to let Turner’s cattle graze on his land. Turner accuses him of rustling. The dispute threatens the romance between Turner’s son Clint (John Wayne) and Walton’s daughter Judy (Susan Fleming). Just as Clint leaves Judy and her father gives him the boot for asking his daughter’s hand in marriage, a sniper kills him. Clint is framed and Buck must save him from a lynch mob led by Vandall (Harry Woods). Vandall might as well be wearing a sign that says I’m the villain, as he’s that obvious as the rustler and the one stirring up trouble between the two honest ranchers.
It’s directed by D. Ross Lederman and written by Milton Krims. It offers the usual fistfights and horse chases, and cowboy romances. Range Feud was unofficially remade by Buck Jones as The Red Rider (1934), a 15-chapter Universal serial.
REVIEWED ON 3/7/2006 GRADE: C+
Dennis Schwartz: “Ozus’ World Movie Reviews”
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