Riders of the Purple Sage

Twentieth Century Fox's 1941 version of Zane Grey's hit novel, RIDER'S OF THE PURPLE SAGE, is visibly low on production values, and yet entertaining because of a fine cast assembled around a very young George Montgomery... an actor obviously being groomed and developed for bigger roles to come.

This particular Zane Grey novel has been made into at least five different films during the past eighty years. It's appeal lies in the unfolding story of a loner, a self-sufficient man, but one who is somewhat apart from the rest of society. The plains and prairies of the old west are a perfect setting for a man such as this. If George Montgomery seems at home in this role, it's because he literally grew up on a horse in Montana. His riding skills are evident in some early scenes where he is seen stopping a cattle stampede.

Paramount cast the veteran actor Robert Barratt in the antagonists role, Judge Dyer. The part has been sanitized since in the original novel the character was a leader of the Mormon church... not a judge. Barratt always brought authenticity to his parts and he does so here. You may remember him as the last Mohican in THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS with Randolph Scott.

Kane Richmond, a 30s character actor in "A" films and a leading man in some "B" films plays Adam Dyer, the judge's son. He is more than annoyed when Montgomery shows up to interfere with his pursuit of Jane Withersteen, played by Mary Howard. Richmond brings some fire to his role mixed with just enough sympathy that the viewer might wish he wasn't such a bad fellow after all.

Mary Howard is adequate, which is enough when it comes down to the women shown in 30s and early 40s westerns. Richard Lane and Lynne Roberts round out the other major parts.

This film was a favorite of George Montgomery's, who possessed the only copy I've ever seen. I recommend watching this one because it is both entertaining, and a well-told tale.

I believe Zane Grey's RIDERS is the most often-filmed Western novel of all time. This 1941 version from Fox is a low-budget but fast-moving adventure starring a very young George Montgomery, who manages to look dashing dressed all in black and wearing a very wide-brimmed hat, the likes of which probably were never seen in the Old West. Montgomery plays Lassiter, a loner who comes to the aid of a distressed cattle ranch and finds himself crossing swords with a crooked judge and his gang of cut-throats. Lots of fancy horseback riding, some shooting, and a fistfight or two. Some familiar actors of the period turn up in this oater, including Kane Richmond and Richard Lane. Worth a look for Montgomery, who grew up around horses. The fact that he never became a big star is curious. He actually is best known for having been married to Dinah Shore. I remember him best not from the movies but from an early TV show where he played -- what else? -- a cowboy.

George Montgomery stars as Jim Lassiter, who learns early on that his niece Fay (Patty Patterson) has been cheated out of her inheritance by crooked Judge Dyer (Robert Barrat). What Lassiter doesn't know-at least at first-is that Dyer is the head of a vigilante group, ostensibly organized to protect the local settlers but actually intent upon driving everyone out of the territory. Several acts of skullduggery and one kidnapping later, Lassiter is finally able to thwart the villains and settle down in a hidden valley with his sweetheart Jane Witherspoon (Mary Howard).

This fourth version of Zane Grey's evergreen yarn is a solid one which breezes along with enough drama, unusual touches and action that fills its short running time. George Montgomery makes a fine Lassiter and Mary Howard is good as the pacifist Jane. There's some great rugged scenery as a backdrop to intrigue and villainy.

Zane Grey's best novel is converted into a standard B western of the era, the crooked judge stealing the pretty young woman's fortune legally, with only the lone gunfighter to defend her. There are the usual shots and incidents; only the final incident, in which the heroes flee from a corrupt civilization and seal themselves away forever, is left, and that is deprived of its sense of universality.

The plot was used innumerable times. It's too good a story not to. Change the title, change some of the details and it all comes out right in the end -- but after seeing it fifty or sixty times, even the most enthusiastic B Western fan gets the feeling he's seen it all before and there might be something better to do.

It doesn't happen this time, despite the lack of any depth because of the competence of director Tingling, cinematographer Lucien Andriot and lead George Montgomery. Tingling keeps things moving along at a good clip, Andriot gives us some lovely pictures and Montgomery puts a lot of intelligence and energy into the role. His Jim Lassiter is a chatterbox, hungry for company: not at all the usual laconic western cowpoke. These all render the movie a very good B movie.

I think if you want to see a great version of the story, you should take a look at the 1925 Tom Mix version. The 1996 TV movie starring Ed Harris and Amy Madigan is top notch. This version doesn't begin to measure up to those, but it's very watchable and only takes an hour.

This was a western with a good story, that didn't go overboard with the usual tropes of gunfights, Indian attacks, bar room brawls, etc. There were good guys vs. Bad guys, but it never came across as cliche or melodrama.

The acting was good, especially George Montgomery as Lassiter, and Patsy Patterson, the little girl who played Fay, was so adorable, and a good actress, too! Mary Howard also gave a good performance as Jane.

There were some great scenes, like the (literal) uphill climb toward the end, and the way Lassiter takes care of the outlaws after him, Jane and Fay. I would never want to mess with him!

Worth watching!