JohnHowardReid Copyright 23 August 1932 by Vitagraph, Inc. U.S. release through Warner Bros: 27 August 1932. No New York opening. U.K. release by Warner Bros: January 1933. 6 reels. 56 minutes. SYNOPSIS: John Drury (Wayne) is a wandering cowboy who saves a spirited wild horse ("Duke") from being put down after a killer, whose identity the horse knows, tries to cover up his crime by laying the blame for the rancher's death on the animal. But what the townsfolk didn't know was that their fellow citizen is actually a mysterious but ruthless bandit known as "The Hawk". NOTES: A re-make of The Unknown Cavalier (1926), starring Ken Maynard as Drury, Kathleen Collins as Ruth Gaunt, David Torrence as Gaunt, and James Mason as the marauder. Albert Rogell directed for producer Charles R. Rogers. Wayne did not make the list of top ten money-makers until 1949, when he suddenly jumped into 4th place. However, he did rank 7th in the first annual survey of western stars in 1936. The first of six "B" westerns Wayne was to make for Warner Bros, all of them co-starring "Duke" (variously billed as "The Devil Horse" and "The Miracle Horse"). COMMENT: A fascinating little western with great production values (augmented by a few stock shots from the 1926 Ken Maynard version), a suspenseful story, a few offbeat characters and some great acting, particularly from "Duke" the horse, "Duke" the star, Otis Harlan the judge (repeating his role from the 1926 film), and Frank Hagney the villain. Director Fred Allen shows occasional flashes of genius. A less imaginative director could well have made this movie into just another routine little oater. But aided by Ted McCord's superlative camerawork and the availability of some inspiring locations, Allen has created a minor gem. In short, a very pleasing effort from all concerned. Wayne is already an engaging personality.

pensman Let's see, this picture was made in 1932 and my parents were just about ten years old. As this was the depression and my dad was one of six kids, I doubt if he had a nickel to spend. As I watch this, as an old, old man; I see it as a pretty good oater. Lots of action, last minute rescues, and a smattering of adult humor. At least, I hope the humor was adult aimed for I know I wouldn't have gotten it. John Wayne got top billing although he shared it with Duke, his horse.The action moves quickly enough for kids to follow it to see if Wayne caught the bad guy or at least exposed him to the law. I thought the film held up over the years. Solid supporting cast with both Harry Gribbon and Otis Harlan providing the humor; a little gallows at times but no doubt that was for any adult who wandered in. You have to feel sorry for Wayne's character, John Drury, who goes from horse saving hero to wanted outlaw in the blink of an eye. I think after all was done with, I would have just moved on and left these people to themselves.But, all in all, a decent oater for its time.

CMUltra Was this clichéd when it was made? It is now, of course. Every line of script is hombre, garsh ma'am and reach for the ceiling! But, now, almost everything from the old movies is clichéd. In 1932, was this material fresh? I doubt it. Everything about this movie screams one-shot direction and fast production.But, that's okay! It does what it was meant to do in providing a fast and furious western saga. John Drury (Wayne) is new in town but wastes no time taming an angry horse (Duke), making sweet time with Ruth (Hall), and going after the film's villain (Hagney).Folks seem a little harsh in judging the acting and plot. This movie rushes along as it was meant to. There's little time (55 minutes) to waste on characterization or thoughtful pauses. What we do get is wall-to-wall action which, I believe, is what the movie was shooting for. For drama there are some double-crosses (Drury is framed for being the murderer) and tough talking.John Wayne is nowhere near as polished as we see him in later (and more successful) movies. But his charm is right there in all it's rough glory.I recommend this movie for couch-and-snacks enjoyment. 5 of 10!

schles-1 Worth watching Duke (the horse)...Duke (the human) leaves a lot to be desired. As a fairly early Western, this picture has many of the classic ingredients...bad guys, good guys, romance, lively crowds of town folks,and even a horse for a hero. The problem is sub-par acting, a ridiculous script, and amateurish direction. However, even with these faults whatever possible enjoyment Western fans might have found is ruined by the incredibly poor acting of John Wayne. It's impossible not to be distracted by his low level of performance and even a cowboy fanatic like myself could not suffer more than a few of his awkward scenes before fleeing the scene myself.