Empty Saddles (1936)

Empty Saddles Poster

Buck runs into trouble when he buys a deserted cattle ranch that he turns into a dude ranch.

Film Overview
"Empty Saddles" is a classic American western film released in 1936 directed by Lesley Selander with Dollar Jones as the lead. With a gripping plot, the story unfolds in the normal old west, where cowboys, constables, and hooligans form the crux of the story.

Plot Summary
The movie focuses on Buck Devlin (played by Buck Jones), a truthful cowboy, employed to look after a herd of livestock at the Bar W ranch. The motion picture plot thickens as Bar W is under the hazard of a harmful gang led by Bart Loman (played by Harvey Clark), whose sole goal is to acquire the desirable ranch. The culprits frame the Bar W supervisor for murder and render the ranch owner incapacitated through a gunshot injury.

Elaborate preparation by the Bart Loman gang caused a lethal shooting encounter, resulting in the supervisor's murder. Upon finding this, Buck plays an essential role in unraveling the reality and bringing justice to the ranch owner and the devoted and industrious cowboys. In the middle of the extreme environment, Devlin's wisecracking sidekick, Sandy (played by Lou Fulton), adds a tip of humor that alleviates the movie's overall intense ambiance.

Characters and Performances
The lead, Buck Jones, provides a brilliant performance, taking the audience on a roller-coaster trip of engaging cowboy experiences. Embodying the quintessential cowboy hero, his character depicts honesty, bravery, and wisdom. Quite appropriately, audiences fell in love with his character, attributable to Jones' charming persona and flawless performing.

Lou Fulton's performance as the jolly sidekick, Sandy, includes a light-hearted tone to the movie. His discussions intersperse comical relief in the middle of the tense undertones, making him a fan favourite.

On the darker side, Harvey Clark, understood for his villainous roles, strikes again as Bart Loman, underlining the harmful intent with his portrayal. His acting expertise incites feelings, making his character the representative villain, consummating the old west feel.

Direction and Cinematography
Director Lesley Selander catches the essence of the old west completely, thoroughly portraying the scenic landscapes and intense gun-slinging action series. The film is filled with cowboy sociability, tactical strategies, ingenious deceptiveness, and aptly timed comical reliefs, all under Selander's outstanding directorial preparation. His capability to extract such effective efficiencies is a testament to his directorial skills.

The cinematography, true to the western genre, masterfully illustrates wide-ranging surfaces associated with the old west, garnering gratitude from the audience. The appealing action shots, skilled video camera work capturing gunfights use audiences a fascinating visual reward.

Conclusion
"Empty Saddles" is an engaging western film with its gripping plot, wonderful efficiencies, lively action series, and light-hearted humor. The movie showcases the cowboy culture, their faithful nature, passion, and bravery, main to the western category. It stands as a testament to the ageless appeal of cowboy films and decreases in history as a timeless representation of excellent versus evil in the old west.

Top Cast

  • Buck Jones (small)
    Buck Jones
    Buck Devlin
  • Louise Brooks (small)
    Louise Brooks
    Boots Boone
  • Harvey Clark (small)
    Harvey Clark
    Swaps Boone
  • Gertrude Astor (small)
    Gertrude Astor
    Eloise Hayes
  • Charles Middleton (small)
    Charles Middleton
    Cim White
  • Frank Campeau (small)
    Frank Campeau
    Kit Kress
  • Claire Rochelle (small)
    Claire Rochelle
    Madge Grant
  • Lloyd Ingraham (small)
    Lloyd Ingraham
    Lem Jessup - alias Jim Grant
  • Earl Askam
    Red Madden - Henchman
  • Ben Corbett (small)
    Ben Corbett
    Vegas
  • Niles Welch (small)
    Niles Welch
    Jasper Kade