Blu ray review: Cattle Drive (1951)
Kino Lorber has released another Universal studios technicolor western, this one with the same narrative framework as the MGM drama Captains Courageous. Dean Stockwell is a pampered, entitled rich kid whose father owns the railroad. When he gets separated from the train during a stop in the wilderness, it leaves without him and he is picked up by a cowboy (Joel McCrea). After the brat is with “genuine” types, he learns values he had considered beneath him.
For having a rather predictable story, Cattle Drive is beautifully shot on location in color and includes a supporting cast of welcome western stalwarts like Chill Wills, Henry Brandon, and Bob Steele. It was directed by Kurt Neumann, a German-born director who had a wide range of genre talent, including science-fiction (She Devil, The Fly), Tarzan pictures, as well as westerns.
A 1951 release, it is not in widescreen, but Neumann uses the space he has to nicely frame the establishing shots of the cattle drive to which the film’s title refers. Joel McCrea adds authenticity to the lead role of a man whose knowledge and leadership abilities make him a boss without that title. Stockwell’s playing a character that goes from spoiled brat to one with a genuine respect for his surroundings is nicely paced. And Henry Brandon shines as the skeptic who believes the kid is bad luck.
Cattle Drive is a very good western, with action, humor, well drawn characters and a heart. Good family entertainment. Kino’s blu ray is available at this link: CATTLE DRIVE
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