Cast
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Roy Rogers
as Roy Rogers
Trigger
as Trigger
Penny Edwards
as Frankie Manning
Gordon Jones
as Splinters
Grant Withers
as Gregory Camwell
Don Haggerty
as Ben Rix
Fred Kohler Jr.
as Brooks
House Peters Jr.
as Scheller
George Meeker
as Scientist
Keith Richards
as Travis
Foy Willing
as Singer, Oil Co. Worker
Crew
Director
- William Witney
Writer
- Sloan Nibley
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Western film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Spoilers of the Plains distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director William Witney brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1951, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Spoilers of the Plains took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 68 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1681 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 107 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1951, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Spoilers of the Plains shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Astronaut Farmer, which focuses more on action than character development, Spoilers of the Plains subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe and In Like Flint explore similar territory, Spoilers of the Plains stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 2, 1951
- Runtime: 1h 8m
