Cherokee Strip

Knoxville's PBS station just ran this movie on its "Riders of the Silver Screen" series (8/2011)introducing me to Richard Dix for the first time. He's a wonderful actor and and I'm surprised he's not up there with Roy, Gene and Hoppy. His age, I suppose. Anyway, a long standing family feud in Texas between the Morrels (Dix) and Barrets (Jory) continues when the parties move north to OK Territory as the government is setting up another land heist from the Cherokee's. A well written standard script is superbly acted amidst quality production values. This movie is a wonderful showcase for the talent of Victor Jory, a superb, under-rated actor. The music, especially one refrain as Dix and Clyde are riding across the land to inspect Jory's herd to see if it contains some of their cattle, is worthy of a A-list epic. Though Dix is a little "long of tooth" his resolute, unblinking stance and likability makes it hardly noticeable and the absence of some idiot buffoon side-kick (Al "Fuzzy" St. John comes to mind)is most enjoyable. The supporting cast is top notch (sorry, Charlie King ain't here, this is one of the few he missed). Cinematography is excellent! This movie stands toe to toe with such classics as Virginia City, Dodge City, San Antonio, etc. and should be a pleasant surprise for those western aficionados expecting standard PRC like "B" movie fare.

Here is a western that has it it all . There is plenty of action , an excellent story with some excellent dialog not to mention a great cast . This is a 'A' western with a 'B ' western flavor . "B' western good guys and bad guys abound in a ' Pop ' Sherman production .

This is mounted very similar to a Hopalong Cassidy western that Sherman was adept at producing . You get the feel of a " Hoppy " film . Many of the actors seemed to be favorites of Sherman ala John Ford and appeared in Hoppys and and other productions of Shermans

The story revolves around a feud between the Morrell ( Dix and Tyler ) and the Barrett families in Texas . The leader of the Morrell clan ( Dix ) and the Barrett clan ( Jory ) signed a peace pact after a Morrell brother was killed by the youngest Barrett ( Douglas Fowley ). The Barretts move to the Cherokee Strip to continue their nefarious ways rustling , robbing stages , robbing banks and other dastardly deeds .

Dix goes to their home base of Goliath, OK. as a U.S. Marshal so he can get the 'goods ' on them for continuing to rustlers .

The 'cat and mouse ' game between Dix and Jory is excellent with Dix one step ahead of Jory . The stagecoach with both of them is excellent starting at the relay station . For the real 'B' western aficionado , that is Bill Cody handing Jory the satchel .

This is worth the watch and you will be entertained .

Harry "Pop" Sherman is best remembered for having produced the early entries in the Hopalong Cassidy series. But he also turned out a number of good "B Plus" westerns featuring lots of familiar faces, during the same period. "Cherokee Strip" is one of these.

The basis of the story is an ongoing feud between the Morrell and Barrett families headed by Richard Dix and Victor Jory respectfully. A truce has been called. In the meantime Jory has set up shop as a banker through which he launders money stolen by his gang.

Dix suspecting the Barretts of rustling his family's cattle, has followed him and taken on the job of Marshal. Into the mix comes Senator Cross (Charles Trowbridge) who wants to open up the Cherokee strip and his daughter (Florence Rice) and tenderfoot son (William Henry) who are charged with gathering data for a census. Eventually, Jory and his cohorts are exposed and a final all out gunfight ensues.

Richard Dix had been a star in films since the early 20s. By the time thi s role came along, his career was in decline. He looked too old to be playing the dashing hero and was a bit on the heavy side. Victor Jory, on the other hand, was just hitting his stride. He was always better than his material and his presence in the cast raises the film a level or two.

Other familiar faces in the cast include Andy Clyde as Dix' sidekick and Tom Tyler and Ray Teal as two of Dix' brothers. Riding in Jory's gang are the likes of Morris Ankrum, Douglas Fowley, Hal Taliafero and William Haade.

Good production values and lots of outdoor scenery, make this an entertaining little western.

Cherokee Strip has a strong script and a strong cast to put it across. Richard Dix plays the strong but shy Marshal who is trying to keep his mind on "Marshaling" while being attracted to the beautiful census taker, the lovely Florence Rice. Florence looks absolutely beautiful in this movie. One thing I admire about Florence is her believability. No matter how bad the script, she makes you believe in her and her character. This is a very good script however. A strong supporting cast featuring Victor Jory, Andy Clyde move the story along. Look for Morris Ankrum in the supporting role of Hawk. Ankrum would turn up years later on the Perry Mason TV series as a judge in many episodes. One of the best scenes is the one in which Dix and Jory are riding together on a stage coach. Excellent!The Marshal always seems to be one step ahead of the bad guys. Fans of westerns will love this movie. Even if you're not a big fan of westerns, you'll be entertained.