JohnHowardReid
Director: WILLIAM NIGH. Screenplay: John Francis Natteford. Photography: Arthur Reed, Ted McCord. Film editor: Earl Turner. Art director: Ralph DeLacy. Stunts: Jack Jones. Stunt double: Cliff Lyons. Sound recording: John Stransky, jr. Producer: Phil Goldstone.Copyright 7 January 1931 by Tiffany Productions, Inc. U.S. release: 25 December 1930. Not theatrically released in Australia. 7 reels. 61 minutes.Alternate titles: Fightin' Through, Fighting Through, Fightin' Thru, Fightin' Ranch, California in 1878.SYNOPSIS: Saloon owner, Ace Brady, covets a gold mine held by Dan Barton and Tennessee Malden. When Malden is killed, Ace attempts to influence his sister, Alice.COMMENT: A bit creaky in technique, but nonetheless a rather stirring little western with plenty of action and some colorful characterizations on both sides of the law. Good to see Charles King up to his neck in his usual villainy and catch a well-rounded performance from Wallace MacDonald, who was later to become a leading "B"-feature producer. The all-stops-out fist fight finale between Macdonald and personable hero, Ken Maynard, has pleasing echoes of The Spoilers. Miss Loff makes an attractive heroine, whilst the exotic Carmelita Geraghty does credit to the Marlene Dietrich-type role. Mr Nigh's capable direction is way above his usual standard, making good use of both his interior sets and outdoor locations. The only fly in the ointment is the ubiquitous "Tarzan", though he does pull off at least one very clever stunt.
Hannah Bertrand
I watched this film after finding out that a relative of mine was Ace (the owner of the Saloon.) Sure, some parts of it were not so great. Poorly done fighting scenes and rather bland and unoriginal lines. They really stuck to the stereotypical roles of characters in western movies. The money driven saloon owner with his girl and the miners that got used. Actually though, sometimes that isn't too far from the truth. I found other parts really well done. The film quality is great for being an early talkie. They did do some good film shots as well as added humor. The horse in it (this does not spoil the film) acts like something between a dog and a human. It makes the movie worthwhile by adding a touch of humor one usually doesn't see in westerns. Anyways, whats better than finding out you're related to the guy who played the bad guy?
