Wild Girl (1932)

Wild Girl Poster

Salomy Jane, a California mountain girl, is sought after by a number of men in the nearby small town of Redwood City. She is affected when two criminals are pursued by authorities: one for killing a hypocritical mayoral candidate, the other for robbing the stagecoach.

Introduction
"Wild Girl" is an American adventure movie released on October 23, 1932. Directed by Raoul Walsh and produced by Fox Film Corporation, the motion picture was based on an unique entitled "The Wild Girl" by Paul Armstrong. The complex and dynamic leading characters were represented by Joan Bennett and Charles Farrell.

Summary
The setting of "Wild Girl" focuses on a dynamic California town throughout the gold rush period. The lead character, Salomy Jane (Joan Bennett), is an intense and independent girl known for her reputation as an elusive catch for the lots of bachelors in the town. Nevertheless, her heart covertly comes from a good-looking stranger called Jack Marbury (Charles Farrell). Salomy lives with her dad (Ralph Bellamy), a hot-tempered, stringent figure in the community and a protective dad who keeps chasing off her suitors.

Plot Development
The film unravels numerous plot strands which all add to the stress and drama that make the movie an engaging watch. First is the love triangle between Salomy, her consistent suitor Rufe Waters (Morgan Wallace) and her secret fan, Jack. Much to Rufe's discouragement, Salomy is drawn in to the dashing and enigmatic Jack. This stress sets the tone for character characteristics throughout the film.

The 2nd subplot includes a wrongful allegation. Jack, accused of killing Salomy's father, undergoes a manhunt and becomes a fugitive after the townsfolk decide he is guilty. Nevertheless, in a twist of fate, it is revealed that the real offender is Rufe. He had deceitfully set up Jack in an attempt to get him out of the way.

Climax and Closure
In a tension-filled climax, Salomy attempts to prove Jack's innocence by putting her life at threat to confront and challenge Rufe. The climax pushes Salomy and Jack into the wilderness where they handle to leave Rufe's clutches and avert an aggressive mob of townsfolk. Their daring journey deep into the wilderness brings them closer, and they ultimately confess their love for each other.

In the end, the constable catches up with them after Rufe admits to avoid being lynched by the mob. The fact dominates putting Jack in the great enhances of society once again. The film wraps up with a happy note, with Jack and Salomy romantically unified, providing a satisfying conclusion.

Missing Out On Scenes Controversy
An intriguing piece of trivia about "Wild Girl" is that its original release supposedly contained scenes that did not make it to the final cut. These scenes included a battle series and a suggestive scene between Bennett and Farrell. While these scenes were questionable, they were eliminated, which sparked interests and included an additional layer of interest in the movie.

Conclusion
"Wild Girl" is an interesting movie filled with adventure, love, and tension. In spite of the movie being made in the early 1930s, it boasts an excellent movie script, compelling characters, and vibrant plot, all of which are trademarks of an excellent story. It masterfully mixes the thematic essence of love, sacrifices, and mistaken identities into one mentally charged narrative.

Top Cast

  • Charles Farrell (small)
    Charles Farrell
    Billy, the Stranger
  • Joan Bennett (small)
    Joan Bennett
    Salomy Jane
  • Ralph Bellamy (small)
    Ralph Bellamy
    Jack Marbury
  • Eugene Pallette (small)
    Eugene Pallette
    Yuba Bill
  • Irving Pichel (small)
    Irving Pichel
    Rufe Waters
  • Minna Gombell (small)
    Minna Gombell
    Millie
  • Willard Robertson (small)
    Willard Robertson
    Red Pete
  • Sarah Padden (small)
    Sarah Padden
    Lize
  • Morgan Wallace (small)
    Morgan Wallace
    Phineas Baldwin
  • James Durkin (small)
    James Durkin
    Madison Clay (uncredited)
  • Robert Homans (small)
    Robert Homans
    Sheriff / Gambling Kibitzer (uncredited)