The Lawless Nineties

The Lawless Nineties is an American Western film released in 1936, and features charismatic performances by John Wayne, Ann Rutherford, and Harry Woods. The film stands as a classic example of Wayne's early work in the genre that would later define his career.

Set in the tumultuous era post the American Civil War, The Lawless Nineties tells the story of the lawless frontier states trying to find their footing amidst chaos and disorder. In this rough-and-tumble setting, John Wayne portrays the role of a federal agent named John Tipton who has been sent on a mission to ensure that a remote territory gains statehood. Tipton's task is not an easy one; the land is problematic, seething with political corruption, violence, and a citizenry under the sway of profiteering manipulators.

John Wayne, known for his towering silhouette and gritty performances, does justice to his role as the central character. Tipton is your quintessential Wayne character - honorable, brave, committed to the law, and unafraid to swing his fist when it is needed. This film showcases Wayne's ability to portray dutiful, courageous characters with an enduring sense of charm. It also hints at his future development into one of Hollywood's most iconic figures.

Ann Rutherford plays the role of Janet, the daughter of an honest newspaper editor, Carter. Rutherford's performance delivers a sparkling dash of romance in the rugged landscape of the storyline. Her character endearingly supports the objective of Tipton to clean the town of its issues, providing a softness that balances out the rough cowboy charm of the movie.

In contrast to the upright virtues of Wayne and Rutherford's characters is Harry Woods, who plays the part of the malicious mobster – Charles Plummer, a crooked character who wants to seize and ruthlessly exploit the lawless territory for personal gain. Woods delivers an exceptional performance, channeling an intimidating and malevolent persona that starkly contrasts with Wayne's noble character. The resulting confrontations and interactions between these characters add an exciting dynamic to the film.

The narrative is set against a wildly atmospheric backdrop, demonstrating the grim realities of the lawless Nineties in America’s history. The film tends to engage its audience with its exploration of historical political issues in an era filled with corruption, sticking to the theme of the struggle between law and disorder, good versus evil, a common motif in Western films of the time.

Director Joseph Kane deserves praise for his compelling storytelling and framing of each scene. This film showcases the triumphs and troubles of a struggling society, all depicted with the gritty realism that made Westerns such a resilient genre in Hollywood. The direction, along with the performances of its lead actors, succeeds in painting a vivid picture of a tumultuous time in the American West. Cinematic enthusiasts will also appreciate the sturdy pace of the film, punctuated by action sequences, thrilling plot progressions, and a climactic shootout that caps the storyline.

The Lawless Nineties is further uplifted by stirring music scores, picturesque cinematography, and impressive costume design that effectively transport audiences back to the rugged and untamed lawless frontier states of the late 1800s.

In conclusion, The Lawless Nineties serves as an engaging Western that captures the sweeping drama and peril of one of America's bleakest yet most romantically idealized periods, elegantly brought to life through the performances by its leading actors. Its portrayal of conflict ushers in excitement while also introducing a strong love interest element and a sprawling social saga set during a historical time of disorder and scheming. The Lawless Nineties stands as a worthwhile watch for fans of classic Hollywood Westerns, fans of John Wayne, and film history aficionados more broadly.