The Texans (1938)

The Texans Poster

After the Civil War, an ex-Confederate soldier faces new battles, including the elements and a carpetbagger intent on destroying him.

Film Summary
"The Texans", launched in 1938, is a traditional American Western movie directed by James Hogan and produced by William LeBaron. This historic drama is based upon the story by Emerson Hough and is an interesting tale of love, despair, nerve, and redemption set in the post-Civil War age in Texas.

Main Plot
The movie revolves around the character Kirby Tornell, represented by the charming star, Randolph Scott. He is a bold male who is figured out to fix the damages caused by the Civil War in the South, mainly in his cherished state, Texas. He chooses to drive 10,000 heads of cattle over hundreds of miles to Kansas. The earnings from selling these livestock would assist Tornell reconstruct the war-torn South, as he imagines a prosperous future. But his mission is stuffed with danger, significantly from callous livestock thieves and opportunistic carpetbaggers looking for to make use of the chaotic post-war scenarios for individual gain.

Love Interest and Conflict
In the middle of his struggle, Tornell falls in love with a stunning Northern woman, Virginia "Ginny" Danvers, played by Joan Bennett. She is at first represented as a bitter opponent, intent on declaring land in the South under the Northern federal government's brand-new policy. Their relationship is complicated, conflicted by their contrasting goals and various allegiances. However, as the journey unfolds, Ginny establishes regard and later love for Tornell, causing the classic love story element in the movie.

Climax and Resolution
The climax unspools as Tornell challenges various hazards and obstacles that attempt to impede his mission. This includes a fight with the aggressive carpetbagger consorting with local livestock rustlers. He handles to conquer each obstacle, leading his herd effectively to Kansas in spite of numerous losses. Ginny, seeing his resistant spirit and unwavering dedication towards his individuals, sheds her initial bias and waits him, reinforcing their love story and including psychological depth to the plot.

Themes and Impact
"The Texans" is a potent story of resilience, decision, and honor, instilled with the essence of the human spirit and the power of love. It magnificently encapsulates the arduous journey of the southerners, their battles, dreams, and victories, providing historic insight into the post-Civil War era in Texas. It likewise highlights the dichotomy of North-South relations throughout this time while painting a brilliant picture of the American Western front.

Performances and Legacy
The efficiencies, especially of Randolph Scott and Joan Bennett, are impactful and complement the powerful storyline. The instructions and movie script are engaging, flawlessly intertwining historical reality with cinematic drama, contributing to the movie's commercial success.

Today, "The Texans" is celebrated as a timeless among American westerns, depicting a transformative duration in American history. Through its vibrant storytelling and dynamic characters, the movie continues to captivate audiences and resonate strongly with them. It is an emblematic representation of the troubled post-Civil War period, making "The Texans" a long-lasting part of cinematic history.

Top Cast

  • Randolph Scott (small)
    Randolph Scott
    Kirk Jordan
  • Joan Bennett (small)
    Joan Bennett
    Ivy Preston
  • May Robson (small)
    May Robson
    Granna
  • Walter Brennan (small)
    Walter Brennan
    Chuckawalla
  • Robert Cummings (small)
    Robert Cummings
    Alan Sanford
  • Raymond Hatton (small)
    Raymond Hatton
    Cal Tuttle
  • Robert Barrat (small)
    Robert Barrat
    Isaiah Middlebrack
  • Harvey Stephens (small)
    Harvey Stephens
    Lt. David Nichols
  • Francis Ford (small)
    Francis Ford
    Uncle Dud
  • Bill Roberts
    Singin' Cy