FIGHTING MAN OF THE PLAINS
US, 1949, 94 minutes, Colour.
Randolph Scott, Bill Williams, Victor Jory, Jane Nigh, Joan Taylor, Rhys Williams, Barry Kelley.
Directed by Edwin L.Marin.
Fighting Man of the Planes is an above average western, featuring Randolph Scott, one of the many westerns he made continuously from 1946 to 1962. It was directed by Edwin A. Marin, who directed Scott in a number of features.
The film is set in the post Civil War period, moving into the 1870s, images of raids during the Civil War, including Quantrell’s raid on Lawrence, Kansas, and the various outlaws in the succeeding years, including the Younger Brothers and Jesse James. Scott portrays another of these, Jim Dancer. He is seen killing a man in cold blood in Lawrence, but mistaking him for the man who killed his brother.
When he is arrested by a detective, circumstances enable him to escape and to do labouring work, and coming to a town where he is seen to be quick on the draw, the citizens of this newly respectable town ask him to be the sheriff. He is supported by the owner of the local saloon and his partner who is in love with Scott. There are difficulties when the actual killer of his brother and his gunslinger nominee the sheriff (Bill Williams) and build to a showdown – where a rider finally recognises Dancer and he is about to be lynched. He is rescued by Jesse James, a role which introduced Dale Robertson.
An above average western of the times.
1. Audience familiarity with the post Civil War period? The hostilities between North and South? The aftermath of the war, the outlaws, the bank robberies, the killings? The film somewhat idealising some of these outlaws, including Jesse James?
2. The background of the war? The Raiders? Lawless? The picture of the West, the town? The musical score?
3. Randolph Scott as Jim Dancer? From the South? His killing of the man in Lawrence, the niece witnessing it? Killing the wrong man? His activities after the war? His being arrested by the agent, going along with him, the agent wanting to cross the river, the ferry, the surge, the detective’s death, the arrival of David and the others, Dave freeing him, his going to do labouring work, his pay, in the town? The situation of violence, the threat the woman, the high noon situation, Dancer and his skills, the townspeople wanting him to be sheriff?
4. His work in the town, the letter of the law, trying to keep his identity hidden? The confrontations? Supported by Dave, Florence and her interest? Johnny Tancred and his cheekiness, violence?
5. Bailey, his dealings, crooked? Changing the laws in the town, especially the cattle going through the town? Johnny Tancred and his enforcement of the laws? Clash with Dancer?
6. The killings, the court case, the rider and his not being able to remember Dancer, his finally remembering in the court, the uproar, the role of the judge, Dancer and the people wanting to lynch him?
7. The previous visit of Jesse James, his riding in just as Dancer was to be killed? The rescue? The number of deaths, including Dave after his decision to move to New Orleans? The niece, her being upset with Dancer, attacking him? Florence and her regrets?
8. Typical story of the West, given a better treatment?
