Cast
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Don 'Red' Barry
as Red Ryder
Noah Beery
as Ace Hanlon
Tommy Cook
as Little Beaver
Maude Allen
as Duchess Ryder
Vivian Austin
as Beth Andrews
Harry Worth
as Calvin Drake
Hal Taliaferro
as Cherokee Sims
William Farnum
as Colonel Tom Ryder
Bob Kortman
as One-Eye Chapin
Carleton Young
as Sheriff Dade
Ray Teal
as Shark
Gene Alsace
as Deputy Lawson
Gayne Whitman
as Harrison
Hooper Atchley
as Commissioner Treadway
John Dilson
as Hale
Crew
Director
- William Witney
- John English
Producer
- Hiram S. Brown Jr.
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Western film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Adventures of Red Ryder 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 1940, 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 Adventures of Red Ryder took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.1 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 205 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 245 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 234 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1940, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- 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 Adventures of Red Ryder 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 Scarlet Horseman, which focuses more on action than character development, Adventures of Red Ryder offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Master Key and Mystery of the Riverboat explore similar territory, Adventures of Red Ryder stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 28, 1940
- Runtime: 3h 25m
- Budget: $144,852
