The Trail Beyond [DVD]

I've seen RIDERS OF DESTINY about seven times over a 30-year period. I enjoy it even though the plot, dialog, acting, fistfights, etc. are very crude. This was the first of John Wayne's Lone Star Westerns, a series of films made for about $10,000 apiece. But it has a certain charm I can't explain. Yakima Canutt does a couple of nice stunts as well; Cecilia Parker is as pretty as Toby Wing, in my opinion (Toby was the "Young and Healthy" girl in 42ND STREET).

This DVD, released by Columbia Tri-Star, has the clearest print of RIDERS OF DESTINY that I recall seeing - a very sharp image in many places. Unfortunately, it omits at least 5 1/2 minutes of the film, including a critical plot point. The ranchers say they'll sign a new water rights contract with the evil land baron, only if he'll agree to one additional clause. This version then skips the scene where they say what the clause is, and so the villain's extreme dismay near the end of the film isn't adequately explained.

Perhaps as compensation for the missing scenes, a pseudo-symphonic soundtrack has been dubbed in at various points, sticking out like a huge sore thumb.

I think in the future I'll continue to watch the Goodtimes DVD (2000) for this film; their copy is more complete, even though the picture is somewhat washed out.

The only other film I've watched on this DVD is TWO FISTED LAW starring Tim McCoy (and a small part by John Wayne). I've only seen TWO FISTED LAW once before, so I'm not sure if anything's missing. As a movie, I found it less enjoyable than the films starring John Wayne. The print was in fairly good condition.

When I get around to watching the other films on this DVD 2-Pack I may post more information about print quality and omissions, if I can determine that. At present I give this set 2 out of 5 stars.

The Trail Beyond, 1934 film

The story begins with a lone rider in the country. He is asked to find a missing brother, John and his daughter. Rod Drew takes a train to the Canadian Northwest, and meets a friend from college. There is a fight over gambling and a shot. Rod and Robby jump from the moving train. They change out of suits into Western clothes and ride away fast. There is a chase, the pair jump for it into a lake. A Mountie is sent to get them. They find a deserted cabin with two skeletons! There is a map to a gold mine. They tell people they are hunting wolves. Benoit looks at the map; does he plan to betray his trust? The villains capture Felice. Can Rod and Robby rescue her? Jules LaRocque is behind this. The rescue works. There is another chase. A swift canoe gets them away.

LaRocque sends Marie to get the gold map. She can keep books for Newsome. `What do you care?" A Mountie shows up to arrest the pair. It's a trick! Rod breaks a bottle and cuts the ropes to get free. Rod is smart, he has the real map. They find the mine and a picture to identify the heiress. The villains go back and get a canoe to chase the good guys. Rod upsets their plans. But the canoe with the wounded Mountie drifts towards the water fall. Rod to the rescue in the shallows. The villains plan to attack Wabinosh House. Rod rides to get help from the Mounties, who deputize and arm all the men in the settlement for help. Both groups ride, one to attack and one to defend. There are a lot of shots fired without any damage. "Not so fast, Marie." "The Redcoats are coming" shouts Benoit. Will Jules get away with the gold found in the mine?

The villains flee, the posse is in pursuit. Gunshots drop riders. Rod chases Jules' wagon. The remaining villains are captured. Jules' plan is upset. There is a happy ending. That gambler recovered and exonerated Robby. Felice will return to her uncle to live a better life. You can assume that Rod will accomplish his next mission.

This is another story how money and greed lead to murder and robbery. This was adapted from a James Oliver Curwood story "The Wolf Hunters". A good story makes a better movie in spite of a low budget. This film stars Noah Beery Sr. and Jr.

its a very good dvd and the quality was good for the year it was made I would like more improvement