smatysia For any other star of the era, this would be one of their better or best films, but this is John Wayne, who went on to star in dozens of masterpieces. So, it is a middling John Wayne movie. His performance hit all of the right notes, and Gabby Hayes was there, doing what he did best. Both Ella Raines and Audrey Long looked lovely as they played opposite types of frontier women. I realize the times, and audiences were much more willing to suspend disbelief, but the effects, such as they were, could have been better. For instance, the stagecoach traveling through the Arizona desert was going about 35 mph with not nearly the bumpiness of frontier tracks. The plot fit the formula of the times very well, but was a tiny bit fresh, as well. Worth checking out.

stuart-432 The entire cast of this film are as near to flawless in their performances as is possible. Marin's direction, the writing of Fix and Hogan... it is all drawn together to deliver a very special experience for those of us lucky enough to enjoy it.The word "masterpiece" is over-used, so I will simply remark that this film is something special. It is difficult to envisage it working in any other setting than the American west. It is a "western"... but oh so much more as well.Gabby Hayes delivers a performance which can only be described as "iconic". For someone who many say could not act, John Wayne's portrayal of a man with hidden wounds as he boards the stage with Gabby Hayes at the beginning of the film is subtle and under-stated but very, very good. For those who wonder what I am blathering about, consider the line "I never feel sorry for anything that happens to a woman." The dialogue throughout is first rate and where else could you see a thoughtful John Wayne in an apron, kneading dough ? Ella Raines's entrance into the story is packed with power and intensity... and she never lets up for the rest of the film. A memorable performance. There are extraordinary depths to this film. It seems to me that the writers and the director were well acquainted with how humankind can get it "wrong". There are no really "bad" people in this film... just people who, through weakness, delusions about who they are and what they are entitled to... mess up their own lives... and the lives of others. Note that these people tend to be "professionals"... with definite hints of accountancy or legal qualifications. They've missed "the point" and all that life has to offer.Like all great films, it is clearly a team effort... and when they made this one, boy did they have a team.

FightingWesterner John Wayne steps knee-deep into murder, intrigue, and suspicion, when he rides out to take a ranch job. Shortly before he arrived, his soon-to-be employer was shot to death and sleazy judge Ward Bond is high on the list of suspects.Here, the Duke is in his prime and at his macho, swaggering best, while sidekick George "Gabby" Hayes has never been more entertaining or funnier. As a hard-case female rancher Ella Raines gives a great performance and is very beautiful, if a bit mean! She and Wayne have great chemistry, Mixing western themes with mystery and a bit of film-noir, Tall In The Saddle is fast-moving and has more twists and turns than a mountain road. If you blink, you might miss something.Highly recommended!

wes-connors John Wayne (as Rocklin) arrives to work at the "Topaz" ranch. He is accompanied by drunken driver George 'Gabby' Hayes (as Dave), and the ranch owner's distaff kin: Audrey Long (as Clara Cardell) and Elisabeth Risdon (as Elizabeth Martin). Mr. Wayne bonds with boozy Mr. Hayes; they share a chauvinistic dislike for women. Ms. Long is attracted to Wayne; but, soon, so is tomboyish rancher Ella Raines (as Arly Harolday). While the primly sensual Long and the fiery cowgirl Raines flirt unmercifully with him, Wayne must solve the murder of the freshly shot dead ranch owner..."Tall in the Saddle" is a mostly haphazard, unsatisfying western, highlighted by strong, familiar supporting performers. And, the film's women make most enjoyable viewing. Raines and blonde rival Long are great-looking; and give great looks, to both Wayne and each other. Raines's cowgirl outfit is snug and sexy. Long is primly attired, but sensual; a fact noticed by Raines as the women deliciously play a "check out the competition" scene. Veteran actress Risdon is the perfect contrast, a straight-laced old aunt. Sidekick Hayes gets to pal around (too briefly) with veteran actor Raymond Hatton (as Zeke) in some early scenes. **** Tall in the Saddle (9/29/44) Edwin L. Marin ~ John Wayne, Ella Raines, George 'Gabby' Hayes