The Last Outlaw

Before John Wayne, there was Harry Carey. Carey was a mentor to John Wayne early in his career, with Duke adopting many of Carey's mannerisms and acting style. This film, which also features Hoot Gibson, Tom Tyler and Ralph "Dick Tracy" Byrd, is a wonderful example of the great western films that Harry Carey starred in over the years.

In this film, the outlaw/protagonist leaves jail after a long hitch to find a world which he no longer recognizes. Cars & street-lights have replaced lanterns & horses. Harry Carey is wonderful in this moving western, which was written by the great Director John Ford!

Many folks nowadays shy away from these early westerns...... don't make that mistake, this film will appeal to all fans of great stories and wonderful acting !

"The Last Outlaw" is a tasty feast for fans of B-westerns, for it has the grit and rough-hewn feel of a B but seems just a tad weightier than most. The most exciting component of the offering is to see two of the venerable long-term stars of silents and early 30's talking B-westerns working together in one picture, namely Harry Carey and Hoot Gibson. Carey may have been the most serious-demeanored of the era's important cowboy stars and Gibson perhaps the most comedic. But "The Last Outlaw," although a few lighter moments arise here and there, is a venture fairly serious in its outlook.

Playing the villain in this one is another B-western star of the era, Tom Tyler. It is as if these three stars took time off from their regular turns at grinding out B-pictures during the 1935-36 season for their respective low-budget studios to come together and make a B+ picture for RKO. Many in the excellent cast are known to movie-goers, including the prolific A-picture character actor Henry B. Walthall in a key role.

This picture is also different in that horse-riding and gunplay is kept at a minimum, the picture relying instead on strong story development and subtle turns of humor to propel the proceedings forward. Acting is charmingly simple but so very well done, while the imaginative story (John Ford) and dialog are affecting and a pleasure to witness. Carey even gives us his traditional crossed arm stance near the end. Finally, the 1930's urban scenes are effectively juxtaposed with the depictions of a still rural and more traditional western setting.

There still weren't many polished big-studio westerns being made in the mid 1930's, so this one looks good for its time, even without a substantial budget, which it obviously didn't have. Don't miss out, as "The Last Outlaw" is a good entertainment, particularly for fans of the western genre' and its stars.

If you are a true western fan, this oldie is a must see. First and foremost, veteran cowboy Harry Carey turns in one of his finest performances, and the reason he inspired John Wayne.

Carey plays Dean Payton, an aging outlaw locked away for years, finally released and having to re-adjust to the contemporary west. Horses have been replaced by fast cars! One thing that hasn't changed are the bad guys. Tom Tyler, a hero in his own series of westerns, plays a bank robber this time around, who kidnaps Payton's daughter (Margaret Callahan).

Carey has to hook up with unlikely partners Hoot Gibson and Henry B. Walthall to rescue Sally and nail Tyler. I agree with the last reviewer, it's a real switch seeing rough and gruff Harry Carey working with the likes of comedy cowboy star Hoot Gibson. More over, Henry Walthall was a dramatic silent film star (BIRTH OF A NATION) in his day. Not too long after this film he passed due to tuberculosis.

The wild shootout finale (and you know it's coming) is exceptionally directed by Christy Cabanne, whose career also spanned back to silent films. A real treat from start to finish, and a western that moves.

Based on a story by legendary director John Ford, who worked with Harry Carey in 26 westerns. The gang's all here. Always on remastered dvd, and check out the beautiful cover artwork. Thanks much to GRIT TV for running this oldie, and so many others that haven't been on tv in decades.