Although Ward Bond didn't live to see The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance which was done by his mentor John Ford he certainly took a bit from the philosophy of that film about printing the legend when it comes from the American west. In the Rex Montana Story Bond comes up with one of the dime novel heroes of the old west, the fictionalized Rex Montana. And the man who created him, Ned Buntline wannabe James Dunn.
Dunn's creation is played by Forrest Tucker someone he typecast to be a western hero. Tucker was not the hero of an Indian attack, that honor belongs to Peter Whitney now a dissolute drunk who is taken care of by his brother Myron Healey, courtesy of facing down those Indians singlehandedly.
Modeled somewhat after Buffalo Bill Cody, Tucker's Rex Montana can ride and shoot, but is an absolute cad in his private life, an image that Dunn has created and guarded zealously. Tucker has even taken an Indian mistress, a Paiute princess played by Kristine Miller and the Paiutes are wanting her back.
Leaving Salt Lake City, the Wagon Train has to go through Paiute country. And James Dunn is having second thoughts about his creation since Tucker treats him and everyone else who really knows him like trash. One way or another Forrest Tucker is going to be having his past catch up to him on the trip west.
Dunn and Tucker give a good pair of matched guest star performances. And Ward Bond as the hard working wagonmaster is contrasted nicely with the publicity built Tucker. It is people like Bond who were the real builders of civilization as the story goes.
Dunn's creation is played by Forrest Tucker someone he typecast to be a western hero. Tucker was not the hero of an Indian attack, that honor belongs to Peter Whitney now a dissolute drunk who is taken care of by his brother Myron Healey, courtesy of facing down those Indians singlehandedly.
Modeled somewhat after Buffalo Bill Cody, Tucker's Rex Montana can ride and shoot, but is an absolute cad in his private life, an image that Dunn has created and guarded zealously. Tucker has even taken an Indian mistress, a Paiute princess played by Kristine Miller and the Paiutes are wanting her back.
Leaving Salt Lake City, the Wagon Train has to go through Paiute country. And James Dunn is having second thoughts about his creation since Tucker treats him and everyone else who really knows him like trash. One way or another Forrest Tucker is going to be having his past catch up to him on the trip west.
Dunn and Tucker give a good pair of matched guest star performances. And Ward Bond as the hard working wagonmaster is contrasted nicely with the publicity built Tucker. It is people like Bond who were the real builders of civilization as the story goes.
