Pals of the Saddle ( 1938 )

Pals of the Saddle (1938): A Deep Dive into the Singing Cowboy Era

Pals of the Saddle, released in 1938, is a quintessential example of the singing cowboy westerns that dominated American cinema during the Great Depression. Starring John Wayne alongside Ray Corrigan and Max Terhune as Stony Brooke, Tucson Smith, and Lullaby Joslin respectively (collectively known as The Three Mesquiteers), the film embodies the genre's blend of action, comedy, and music, offering a comforting and optimistic vision of the American West during a time of considerable hardship. While often overlooked in discussions of Wayne's more iconic roles, Pals of the Saddle provides valuable insight into the evolution of his persona and the broader cultural landscape that embraced the singing cowboy phenomenon.

The Three Mesquiteers: A Formula for Success

The Three Mesquiteers were a popular series of B-westerns produced by Republic Pictures. Based on characters created by William Colt MacDonald, the films featured a rotating cast, with Wayne, Corrigan, and Terhune forming one of the most recognizable and enduring trios. The formula was simple but effective: the three friends, skilled cowboys and quick with a song, roamed the West righting wrongs, battling villains, and generally upholding justice. Pals of the Saddle is the first film where the trio are working to prevent a land grab.

The success of the Mesquiteers lay in their camaraderie and their ability to appeal to a wide audience. Corrigan's strength and athleticism, Terhune's comedic relief (often delivered through his ventriloquist dummy, Elmer), and Wayne's emerging star power created a dynamic that resonated with viewers looking for escapism and entertainment. The inclusion of musical numbers further enhanced the films' appeal, offering a lighthearted contrast to the often-violent action.

John Wayne: Forging a Legend

While already gaining recognition for his work in B-westerns, Pals of the Saddle showcases Wayne's burgeoning talent and the development of the screen persona that would eventually make him a cinematic icon. Although still some years away from his more complex and morally ambiguous roles in films like The Searchers and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Wayne's performance in Pals of the Saddle reveals the early stages of his stoic demeanor, physical prowess, and inherent sense of justice. He is believable as a capable cowboy and takes to the part with ease. Although the singing is usually dubbed, Wayne’s acting abilities become more obvious in this role and allows for greater recognition.

It's important to note that during this period, Wayne was primarily known for his work in low-budget westerns, often churning out several films a year. Pals of the Saddle, while not a major cinematic achievement, provided him with valuable experience and helped solidify his presence in the western genre. It was in these films that he honed his skills and developed the on-screen persona that would later make him a Hollywood legend.

Plot Summary: Justice and Song in the West

The plot of Pals of the Saddle centers around a conspiracy by unscrupulous land developers to force ranchers off their land in the small town of Wagon Wheel. The developers, led by the villainous Bart Larribee (George Douglas) plot to deprive the ranchers of their land by causing them to miss their land patent payments. The arrival of Stony Brooke, Tucson Smith, and Lullaby Joslin interrupts their plans.

The Three Mesquiteers arrive in Wagon Wheel, following a previous encounter with a woman named Rita and her young brother. Rita's father, a local rancher, is one of the primary targets of Larribee's scheme. As the trio investigates, they discover that Larribee is deliberately sabotaging the ranchers' efforts to raise the money needed to make their payments. He orchestrates bank robberies, spreads false rumors, and uses intimidation tactics to discourage the ranchers.

Stony, Tucson, and Lullaby, armed with their skills, wit, and trusty horses, intervene to protect the ranchers and expose Larribee's scheme. There are chases, fistfights, and plenty of gunplay, all interspersed with musical numbers. Eventually, the trio successfully uncovers Larribee's criminal activities, bringing him to justice and restoring peace to Wagon Wheel.

Themes and Context: A Reflection of the Era

Pals of the Saddle, like many singing cowboy westerns, reflects the social and economic anxieties of the 1930s. The theme of battling against corrupt businessmen who are trying to exploit the common man resonated with audiences struggling through the Great Depression. The film offered a sense of hope and empowerment, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, good could triumph over evil.

The idealized depiction of the West also served as a form of escapism. The wide-open landscapes, the simple codes of honor, and the promise of adventure provided a welcome distraction from the harsh realities of everyday life. The music, too, played a crucial role, offering uplifting melodies and lyrics that celebrated the virtues of hard work, honesty, and friendship.

Furthermore, the film speaks to the changing demographics of the American West. The ranchers fight to secure their claims, but those claims have dispossessed Native Americans, and the film offers no suggestion that the original inhabitants of the land had any right to the property.

Musical Numbers: A Key Element of the Singing Cowboy Genre

The musical numbers in Pals of the Saddle are an integral part of the film's appeal and contribute significantly to its overall tone. While John Wayne himself did not sing, the songs are performed by other members of the cast or through dubbing. They serve as both entertainment and narrative devices, providing moments of levity and expressing the characters' emotions. These songs reflect the culture of that era, and allow for greater connection between the film and its audience.

Reception and Legacy: A Product of Its Time

Pals of the Saddle was a commercial success, performing well at the box office. While critics at the time did not necessarily consider it a masterpiece, they generally acknowledged its entertainment value and its appeal to audiences seeking lighthearted escapism. Today, the film is primarily viewed as a historical artifact, offering a glimpse into the popular culture of the 1930s and the evolution of the western genre.

The film's legacy lies primarily in its contribution to the singing cowboy phenomenon and its role in establishing John Wayne as a rising star. While Pals of the Saddle may not be remembered as one of Wayne's greatest films, it remains a significant entry in his filmography and a valuable example of the type of westerns that captivated audiences during the Depression era. Its place in film history is solid.

Table of Cast Members

Table of Key Crew Members

Table of Production Details

Table of Songs Featured in the Film

Conclusion

Pals of the Saddle, while a product of its time, remains a valuable piece of cinematic history. It offers a window into the world of the singing cowboy western, showcases the early stages of John Wayne's career, and reflects the social and cultural anxieties of the Great Depression. While not a groundbreaking film, its simple charm, engaging characters, and optimistic message continue to resonate with viewers interested in the history of the western genre and the evolution of American cinema. The popularity of these films helped to bring comfort during the difficult times. The Three Mesquiteers films made a great impact at the time.