Buffalo Bill *** (1944, Joel McCrea, Maureen O’Hara, Linda Darnell, Thomas Mitchell, Edgar Buchanan, Anthony Quinn) – Classic Movie Review 7531

Director William Wellman’s 1944 Buffalo Bill stars Joel McCrea, who gives one of his best performances as the fabled Wild West showman, scout and Indian supporter William F Cody.

Wellman’s fine Western often abandons the true story in favour of a naive escapist romantic triangle with fiery flame-haired senator’s daughter (Maureen O’Hara) and sexy Sioux teacher (Linda Darnell). But there is action too, especially in the rousing clash between the US Cavalry and the Cheyenne Indians.

McCrea’s strong, detailed and careful turn keeps the movie centred, O’Hara is appealing, and Thomas Mitchell is a scene-stealer as the reporter, who publicises Cody’s career, while Edgar Buchanan, Anthony Quinn, Chief Thundercloud, Sidney Blackmer, Moroni Olsen and Frank Fenton are also essential in the cast.

Buffalo Bill is enthusiastic Technicolorful entertainment, performed with zest and made with care by Wellman. Ace cinematographer Leon Shamroy makes it look great in Technicolor on Utah locations and 20th Century Fox sets.

Writers Aeneas MacKenzie, Clements Ripley and Cecile Kramer write the screenplay from the story by Frank Winch.

Also in the cast are Matt Briggs, George Lessey, Frank Orth, George Chandler, Nick Thompson, William Haade, Evelyn Beresford, Edwin Stanley and John Dilson.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7531

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