Here's something you don't see every day. Then again, would you want to? Several years before the 1950s' Davy Crockett craze, John Wayne donned a coonskin cap to play a militiaman in early-19th-century Alabama. He and his fellow Kentuckians are just passing through--"marching 600 miles," as they merrily sing (and sing, and sing), because riverboat magnate John Howard has refused to haul them. Howard and all-purpose scoundrel Grant Withers are scheming to dispossess a community of French émigrés--veterans of Napoleon's Grand Army who've come seeking life, liberty, etc. in the New World. Howard's also out to marry Vera Ralston, the French general's daughter. Naturally, Wayne's just the lad to gum up both plans.

The Fighting Kentuckian

This is not one of the Duke's best films but it is entertaining, which, I presume should be a measuring stick for anything titled "entertainment". This isn't a western but should be listed as a pre-western (does this make it an "eastern"?), along with the likes of "Drums Along the Mohawk" or "Unconquered". The casting of Oliver Hardy in one sense is a stretch but it's also brilliant. Vera Ralston is badly miscast. It's this casting of Ralston that led to some compromising of other roles. Her accent is NOT French so the other roles were cast with this in mind. It should be stated that the casting of Vera Ralston was forced upon Wayne by the studio. For the price this isn't a bad deal; I found the quality of the disc to be good. So, enjoy the Duke in a not-so-typical role.

Great Movie, Poor Quality

This is most likely the best all-around John Wayne movie for any fan of classic movies. While it has that western style that John Wayne is known for, it also is the funniest John Wayne movie I have ever seen as Oliver Hardy is hysterical. The movie is a classic and I am surprised that this is the only copy available on DVD, other than the Two-Movie disc on Amazon. The quality is poor however, as this DVD is not digitally remastered as most Classics have been. Its better than the VHS version but shows the wear and tear of movies that are over 50+ years old. Nevertheless, It is the best version available and a must have for any John Wayne fan.

dvd review

Great dvd. One of John Waynes best. Received in super condition and with fast delivery.