RIDING SHOTGUN

US, 1954, 74 minutes, Colour.
Randolph Scott, Wayne Morris, Joan Weldon, Charles Bronson, James Millican.
Directed by Andre de Toth.

Riding Shotgun is a brief western, one of many made by Randolph Scott during the 1950s. He plays much the same kind of role, square-jawed hero, misunderstood in the west, finally vindicating himself and overcoming evil.

James Millican portrays the leader of a gang whom Scott has been pursuing for some time. By chance, it is thought that Scott belongs to the gang and the townspeople want to lynch him. He tries to persuade them of the truth – that the gang is going to rob the club in the town. Critics at the time noted that there was something of a parallel with High Noon in the plight of the isolated man trying to uphold the law.

Wayne Morris is the casual deputy sheriff. Charles Bronson, appearing under his name Charles Buchinsky, is one of the villains and has a substantial role. The film was directed by Andre de Toth, a veteran of action films who at this time made House of Wax (also starring Charles Bronson).

1.The impact of the westerns of the 50s? Straightforward? Good storytelling? Using the conventions well?

2.The western locations, the town? The club? The detail of the town, offices, the streets, the stables? The musical score?

3.Larry Delong, riding shotgun with the stages? His voice-over and explaining himself, motivations, the behaviour of other people?

4.Larry Delong and his love for Orissa? Coming into the town, the people turning against him? His being tricked by the old man with Dan Marady’s gun? His being tied up by Pinto and the others? Their wanting him to suffer from the sun? His breaking free, coming back into the town?

5.The townspeople, their stubbornness, misunderstanding Delong? The friendship of the deputy sheriff, his casual approach, always eating? The doctor and his sympathy? Colonel Flynn and the others and their hasty judgments? Fritz and the bar, becoming nervous, spreading the word about Larry Delong?

6.The behaviour of the people, the guns, the shooting? Delong and his wounding people in the hand only?

7.The gang, coming into the town, surprise at the news about Delong? Pinto and his continual trying to kill Delong, with the people, trying to stir up trouble? The gang coming in? The shootout in the club?

8.Delong, vindicated, the hero? With Orissa? Pinto and his final attempt to kill Delong, the boy and his slingshot? (And his being on the coach?)

9.The use of the conventions that audiences are used to? Audiences being comfortable with them and responding well?