Destry (1954)

Destry (1954) ***

Universal Pictures
Director: George Marshall

Despite the cheezy can-can dancing, western town of Restful, I think this later version of Destry Rides Again is not bad. It shouldn't be considering it is George Marshall's second attempt (He also directed the 1939 Jimmy Stewart version). In fact that wasn't even the first version. There was a 1932 Tom Mix one! The names and faces have been changed but they are nearly identical; all based on the novel by Max Brand (Frederick Faust) published in the Western Story Magazine in 1930. In any case, sure our hero doesn't have the Duke's commanding presence, but we wouldn't want every western to be identical (looking at you Marshall). After all, Destry still sweeps into town, lays down the law and gets the girl (Lori Nelson). I normally prefer a bit more rugged scenery and less technicolor Dollywood, though overall it's a movie worth watching if only to see how different a western can be and still remain true to the genre. I think the western TV shows for kids of the 1950s are to blame for the particular cheez factor of this one but whatever I enjoyed it. Audie Murphy plays the eponymous Destry who takes on crooked Saloon owner Phil Decker (Lyle Bettger). Mari Blanchard steals the screen as the star of the saloon, Brandy. I particularly enjoyed seeing Alan Hale Jr. (the Skipper from Gilligan's Island) as cattle rustler Jack Larson.