Cast
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John Wayne
as John Weston
Polly Ann Young
as Marjorie Carter
Anita Campillo
as Dolores
George 'Gabby' Hayes
as Marshal George Higgins
Edward Peil Sr.
as Spike Barton (as Edward Peil)
Yakima Canutt
as Cheyenne Kent
George Cleveland
as Nevada Sheriff
Lafe McKee
as Judge Carter
Earl Dwire
as Rodeo Announcer
Artie Ortego
as Bank Robber
Edward Biby
as Bartender (uncredited)
Herman Hack
as Kent Henchman (uncredited)
Jack Kirk
as Henchman (uncredited)
Bud McClure
as Henchman on Roof (uncredited)
Perry Murdock
as Captured Bank Robber (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Robert N. Bradbury
Producer
- Paul Malvern
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Not a bad little effort from the Duke, this - providing you can overlook his rather terrible song at the beginning. He arrives into town amidst a shoot-out and next thing he is involved in helping the marshal (Gabby Hayes) to investigate some dodgy, lethal, rodeo-rigging. The use of actuality rodeo footage rather spoiled this for me, but probably saved a few bucks which they invested in a good fun soundtrack that accompanied this fast-paced fifty minutes of adventure.
Jun 13, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Western film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Man from Utah distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Robert N. Bradbury 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 1934, 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 The Man from Utah took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 51 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 100 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1934, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Man from Utah 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 Ivory-Handled Gun, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Man from Utah offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Come On, Tarzan and Men Without Law explore similar territory, The Man from Utah stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: May 15, 1934
- Runtime: 51m
Where to Watch
