Vera Ralston brings down Dakota like somebody setting fire to a wheat field and you’d expect better from a picture that has Ward Bond and Wayne in it, but its okay. In Old California is slightly better even though the Duke is playing against type (almost).
Bottom line: (I’m going to put this in all my Lionsgate Duke reviews so skip down if you want to hear my thoughts on the actual films) Lionsgate just repackages the titles that they’ve already released (under the Artisan/Republic Pictures banner). Those hoping for new transfers will be most disappointed. However, those Duke fans that don’t own these titles might want to take a look because they’ve doubled them up and reduced the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).
What the back of the box says:
The two crooks steal John and Sandy’s savings, a dangerous riverboat chase ensues, and the criminals make a clean getaway. In a desperate attempt to get back his saving and see justice prevail, Devlin joins the wheat farmers in a heated range battle against Bender, Collins, and their gang. The action is fast paced and thrilling, ending in an exciting conclusion that includes a daring fight-to-the-finish. Walter Brennan also stars in this fast-paced, action-packed Western.
In Old California (3 stars): Tom, played by John Wayne, is a handsome physician in the gold-rush days of California. He discovers that Sacramento politician Britt Dawson (Albert Dekker) has become wealthy from forced tributes levied on ranches. Irate and incensed, he leads the ranchers in a successful revolt against the unfair taxes. In retaliation, Dawson viscously taints a tonic prescribed by Tom, and a patient is killed. Dawson hides the evidence and incites a mob into a furious rage against Tom claiming he’s an unfit physician.
When gold is discovered at Sutter’s Mill, the announcement distracts the crowd, saving Tom from being lynched. How will the local residents feel about Tom when he’s the only doctor in town especially when a terrible epidemic breaks out? Will Dawson still be able to make good on his attempts to destroy Tom? The outcome will have you on the edge of your saddle as the action builds to an exciting conclusion.”
Dakota has some good features, such as Wayne, Ward Bond, wacky riverboat Captain Walter Brennan, and Mike Mazurki. However, it also has some bad ones in the form of Vera Ralston who is just horrible. She has a think accent and is most likely only in the picture because she was married to Republic Studio head Herb Yates. She really sinks most of the picture with her terrible acting and is a poor love interest for the Duke. Considering the roster of stars, especially Ward Bond, you’d expect a more memorable feature but it’s only just acceptable. In Old California finds the Duke putting on a Boston city slicker character that’s just unbelievable for the Duke since he dresses like a dandy for the first part of the picture.
Not to mention that he’s a druggist! Although it seems like quite the stretch for the Duke it still turns out to be a pretty good picture. The plot isn’t exactly new (two women compete for our hero who is later wrongly accused of wrongdoing) but it turns out to be an entertaining little film.
Dakota and In Old California are presented in fullscreen. The only special feature is a set of textual production notes on In Old California.
Dakota/In Old California is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for this version of the DVD in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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