What a waste of my time!!!

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

The entire cast of this film are as near to flawless in their performances as is possible. Marin's direction, the writing of Fix and Hogan... it is all drawn together to deliver a very special experience for those of us lucky enough to enjoy it.The word "masterpiece" is over-used, so I will simply remark that this film is something special. It is difficult to envisage it working in any other setting than the American west. It is a "western"... but oh so much more as well.Gabby Hayes delivers a performance which can only be described as "iconic". For someone who many say could not act, John Wayne's portrayal of a man with hidden wounds as he boards the stage with Gabby Hayes at the beginning of the film is subtle and under-stated but very, very good. For those who wonder what I am blathering about, consider the line "I never feel sorry for anything that happens to a woman." The dialogue throughout is first rate and where else could you see a thoughtful John Wayne in an apron, kneading dough ? Ella Raines's entrance into the story is packed with power and intensity... and she never lets up for the rest of the film. A memorable performance. There are extraordinary depths to this film. It seems to me that the writers and the director were well acquainted with how humankind can get it "wrong". There are no really "bad" people in this film... just people who, through weakness, delusions about who they are and what they are entitled to... mess up their own lives... and the lives of others. Note that these people tend to be "professionals"... with definite hints of accountancy or legal qualifications. They've missed "the point" and all that life has to offer.Like all great films, it is clearly a team effort... and when they made this one, boy did they have a team.

Cowboy John Wayne tries to help out pretty Audrey Long while figuring out who killed her uncle. He crosses paths with tough-as-nails Ella Raines, crooked judge Ward Bond, and assorted other characters. Wayne's great in one of his best non-Ford westerns. Lots of beautiful in this one, with Raines and Long as polar opposites yet both stunning. They also both give very good performances, though Raines gets the meatier part. Gabby Hayes is fun comic relief. Elisabeth Risdon is the film's one drawback. She's so insufferably obnoxious. I wish somebody had been able to knock her out just once! At its heart, it's a pretty formulaic western but the characters and performances are so good it elevates the material.

This is a very well done movie. John Wayne plays a cowboy named Rocklin (nice name huh?). Rocklin has been hired by what turns out to be the murdered owner of a ranch to investigate some misdoings. Ella Raines is the daughter who is extremely fiery. The poker scene is great. The young brother of Ella says a dead card is in play and challenges Wayne. He is unarmed and just goes upstairs. The men at the table tell the punk he had better leave. He doesn't and Wayne comes back downstairs with his gun on. The boy backs down and leaves. The next day Ella comes in to town, confronts John, and actually hits him with her quirt. This leads to Wayne getting the job as ranch foreman, finding the murderer, and getting the girl.

John Wayne (as Rocklin) arrives to work at the "Topaz" ranch. He is accompanied by drunken driver George 'Gabby' Hayes (as Dave), and the ranch owner's distaff kin: Audrey Long (as Clara Cardell) and Elisabeth Risdon (as Elizabeth Martin). Mr. Wayne bonds with boozy Mr. Hayes; they share a chauvinistic dislike for women. Ms. Long is attracted to Wayne; but, soon, so is tomboyish rancher Ella Raines (as Arly Harolday). While the primly sensual Long and the fiery cowgirl Raines flirt unmercifully with him, Wayne must solve the murder of the freshly shot dead ranch owner..."Tall in the Saddle" is a mostly haphazard, unsatisfying western, highlighted by strong, familiar supporting performers. And, the film's women make most enjoyable viewing. Raines and blonde rival Long are great-looking; and give great looks, to both Wayne and each other. Raines's cowgirl outfit is snug and sexy. Long is primly attired, but sensual; a fact noticed by Raines as the women deliciously play a "check out the competition" scene. Veteran actress Risdon is the perfect contrast, a straight-laced old aunt. Sidekick Hayes gets to pal around (too briefly) with veteran actor Raymond Hatton (as Zeke) in some early scenes. **** Tall in the Saddle (9/29/44) Edwin L. Marin ~ John Wayne, Ella Raines, George 'Gabby' Hayes