Secret Valley

Secret Valley is an adventure western film directed by Howard Bretherton and released in 1937. The movie stars Richard Arlen, Virginia Grey, and Norman Willis, in leading roles. The plot of Secret Valley revolves around a group of travelers who encounter a town controlled by outlaws and have to find a way to stop their tyranny.

The movie starts with a group of travelers, including Jim and his wife Molly, on their way to California. On their way, they meet a friendly cowboy named Bob who offers to help them on their journey. They soon discover that the nearest town, a place called Twin Forks, is run by a group of outlaws led by Joe Richmond. The outlaws terrorize the town and its residents and prevent anyone from leaving the town. The travelers find themselves trapped in the lawless town and have to find a way to escape.

Meanwhile, Bob reveals to Jim that he is actually a government agent, tasked with bringing the outlaws to justice. Together with a local lawman named Sheriff Tatum, they form a plan to capture the outlaws and free the town. As the plan unfolds, the travelers find themselves caught in the middle of a dangerous situation and have to take matters into their own hands.

Secret Valley is an entertaining film that follows a typical ‘good vs. evil’ cowboy storyline. The film features several action scenes, including a thrilling horse chase through the valley and a shootout in the town. The film's cinematography is impressive, showcasing the scenic landscape of the West. The acting performances are decent, with Richard Arlen in the lead role portraying a tough but determined cowboy who will stop at nothing to protect his wife and friends.

Virginia Grey plays the role of Molly, Jim’s wife, and her effortless charm and screen presence adds to the film's appeal. Norman Willis delivers a noteworthy performance as Joe Richmond, portraying a convincingly menacing villain in the film.

Overall, Secret Valley is a good watch for moviegoers who love westerns and action films. The film's screenplay is engaging from start to finish, and the pacing of the movie keeps viewers engaged throughout. The film also features a fantastic musical score, which adds to the overall nostalgic feel of the film.

One of the movie's most impressive aspects is its direction. Howard Bretherton does a great job of capturing the essence of the western genre, and his creativity is evident in some of the movie's suspenseful scenes. The way he depicts the town and the outlaws' stronghold gives the audience a sense of claustrophobia and tense anticipation.

Despite being created over 80 years ago, Secret Valley still holds up to this day. The film's themes of good versus evil and the will to fight for what's right still resonate with audiences. Anyone who loves western movies will enjoy this classic that tells a timeless story of courage, bravery, and determination.

In conclusion, Secret Valley is an entertaining, well-made western film that continues to hold up to this day, despite being made in the 1930s. The film's impressive direction and cinematography, great musical score, and riveting story make it a must-watch for anyone who loves classic westerns. And with a cast that includes Richard Arlen, Virginia Grey, and Norman Willis, viewers can expect some excellent performances from the leads.