An American Western. It's a story set in post-war 1875, about eloping newlyweds: a professional gambler, and his wife (daughter of a displeased railroad tycoon) who get involved in a bitter railroad dispute and land war in Dakota. This is a standard fare oater, slow-paced, with a cliché story, bordering on B movie in production values. John Wayne delivers as usual, and Vera Ralston is spirited and lovely but is easily upstaged by Ona Munson, a kind-hearted saloon entertainer. There is good support from Ward Bond and the usually brilliant Walter Brennan as the Captain. But, although some scenes are very funny, some are played tongue-in-cheek comedic which makes the story feel patchy and uneven. There is also an inordinate amount of rear projection footage makes for rather dull viewing.
Review of Dakota
