The New Frontier

During the 1930s, John Wayne was one of the busiest actors in Hollywood. Now many might not have noticed, as although he was in a ton of films, they were mostly B-westerns....pretty forgettable compared to his later work. Now I am NOT saying they are bad...just not as memorable as his A-pictures. "The New Frontier" is one of these 1930s Bs.

The story is set in the Oklahoma Territory at about the time of the big land rush in 1889. John Dawson and his father aren't concerned about land but instead are working leading wagon trains into the territory. However, when a local saloon keeper begins driving out honest settlers, the father agrees to talk with the man to solve the problem....and for his efforts, John's father gets a bullet in the back!! What's next? Well, I think I can assure you John will NOT be a happy guy....and how he rids the town of the gamblers and restores law and order is something you won't easily predict!

The story is pretty standard and the only way the film stands out from other Bs is the stirring and very violent finale! Not exactly a work of genius but enjoyable.