Review of The Virginian

This movie, based on Owen Wister's classic western novel by the same name, is drawing in its own right. The cast match perfectly their roles. Joel MacCrae is a low-keyed but firm rancher when he needs to be. Barbara Britton is the stereotype "schoolmarm" from Bennington, Vermont, Sonny Tufts is excellent as the happy-go-lucky Steve who becomes an outlaw, and Brian Donlevy is perfect as the outlaw Trampas. (I'm sure that if were still alive criminals could take lessons from him!) The story line is not complicated. When the schoolmarm Molly Wood comes to Medicine Bow, Wyoming to teach, Steve and his friend the Virginian (and the Virginian is known as that and nothing else) start vying for the affection for that very attractive lady, she does become taken with the Virginian, though it is definitely not for her love at first sight. In the meantime Steve and Trampas do join together as outlaws. After the Virginian takes firm action against Steve because of his involvement in a cattle stampede, Trampas desires strongly to kill the Virginian, and it happens at all times less than an hour before the Virginian and Molly are to be married: when Molly learns of this she is reluctant to marry the Virginian.

What will the result be? Will he be killed and thus no wedding will take place? Will the Virginian do the killing and, again, the wedding not take place? Yes, it does make for great suspense.

Yes the classic line to Trampas by the Virginian in a saloon is spoken: "When you say that, smile." William Frawley does lend great support as the Virginian's close and encouraging friend. Heryy O'Neill; and Faye Bainter also give great support as the Taylors It is a great classic western, one of the best ever made.