Gold Strike River

Gold Strike River, also known as The Lucky Texan, is a captivating and thrilling early Western movie from 1934, showcasing the incomparable talents of John Wayne as the leading star. The film is directed by Robert N. Bradbury and includes performances by other seasoned actors of the time like Barbara Sheldon, George "Gabby" Hayes, Lloyd Whitlock, Yakima Canutt, Earl Dwire, Art Ortego, and Tex Palmer.

The movie spins out an immersive tale of adventure, justice, friendship, and love set against the arresting backdrop of the old west of Texas. Much of the film's charm arises from John Wayne's portrayal of the character Jerry Mason—a young, dynamic cowboy—who, even at this early point in his career, begins to embody the moral force and raw physicality that would become a trademark of his screen persona.

After graduating from college, the scholarly Jerry Mason (John Wayne) returns to Texas to visit his old friend Jake Benson (George "Gabby" Hayes), an old sourdough miner. They happen upon a gold mine, which they discover in a river while panning for gold. With aspirations of newfound wealth and prosperity, Jerry and Jake work together to establish a firm foothold in the mining industry.

Brimming with excitement, Jake sells his ranch to Harris and Cole (Lloyd Whitlock and Yakima Canutt), who are unscrupulous assayers. Jake is unaware of their shady dealings, and Jerry, endowed with the idealism of youth, is also oblivious initially. Soon, however, they discover the treachery of the villainous duo and find themselves swirled into unexpected plots of deceit and hostility.

John Wayne's character is not just wrestling with bandits and villains; he's also dealing with the matters of the heart. He finds himself smitten by the beautiful Betty Benson (Barbara Sheldon). Betty, who portrays Jake's granddaughter, is equally enamored by Jerry's charm and courage. A significant subplot in Gold Strike River is the budding romance between these two characters, which provides a perfect counterpoint to the harsh conditions of the mining life and the crime-ridden narrative involving Harris and Cole.

The film is filled with adrenaline-pumping chase sequences, nerve-wracking confrontations, heartfelt interactions, and the classic elements of a Western, including horseback rides and shootouts. Notably, well-known stuntman Yakima Canutt not only plays the antagonist Cole but also participates in many harrowing stunts, adding rousing action sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Equally important, the movie never fails to evoke a sense of camaraderie and friendship, particularly between Jake and Jerry. George "Gabby" Hayes stands out with his unique blend of humor, heart, and tenacity, forming a memorable duo with John Wayne. Despite the hardships and perils, their friendship endures, symbolized by their shared dreams, struggles, and their undying spirit to stand up against the wrong.

Earl Dwire adds further depth to the cast by playing the role of the unsuspecting sheriff. His character is emblematic of law and justice in a world overrun by deceit and lawlessness, tasked with the daunting mission of upholding integrity against volatile circumstances. Likewise, the minor characters like those played by Art Ortego and Tex Palmer skillfully bring the Texan environment to life, further immersing the audience into the unfolding drama.

Gold Strike River is early proof of John Wayne's enigmatic screen appeal and charismatic talent, establishing him as a definitive star of the Western genre. It's a film that encapsulates the rugged, raw, and exciting spirit of the Old West, peppered with plot twists that engage and entertain throughout its flow.

In conclusion, Gold Strike River is a remarkable ride into the unexplored territories of the Old West. With its thrilling narrative and iconic performances, it holds a distinctive place in the canon of early Westerns, offering cinema history a glimpse of a legend in the making in the form of John Wayne. Overall, the film delivers an enticing balance of action, suspense, humor, romance, and justice, which should delight fans of classic Hollywood Westerns and historians alike.