An American Western-comedy; A story in Alabama in 1812 featuring Napoleonic army immigrants and the Kentucky militia. A Kentucky trooper makes the long journey homeward with his confreres but becomes involved with a plan by a robber baron to deprive hundreds of French army refugees of land promised by Congress. The trooper acts to prevent the villain's marriage to the daughter of a former French general.
This is a routine Western which has incessant chases and gunfire. The romance is stilted with no chemistry between John Wayne and Vera Ralston, who also sounds more Czech than French. However, it boisterously maintains and it has sparkling photography, and the excellent comedy performances shine through its medicore storyline.
As an aside, Oliver Hardy demonstrates his marvellous physical comedy, though as a supporting actor here his character is only slightly pugnacious, which feels muted in comparison to his high acclaim as a leading actor. John Wayne has screen presence too, but his light humour complements the piece very well, never overshadowing Hardy, which is a treat to watch: two great light comedy performances.
Review of The Fighting Kentuckian
The Fighting Kentuckian
(1949)
Medicore sagebrush opera with excellent comedic hiatuses
20 July 2019