The Last Outpost *** (1951, Ronald Reagan, Rhonda Fleming, Bruce Bennett) – Classic Movie Review 10,540

Rhonda Fleming signed a three-picture deal with Paramount Pictures and Pine-Thomas Productions used her as Ronald Reagan’s leading lady in the Western The Last Outpost (1951).

Confederate Capt. Vance Britten (Reagan) and his Unionist brother Col. Jeb Britton (Bennett) are battling US Cavalry officer brothers during the American Civil War. Reagan, who is attacking Bennett’s gold shipments in Arizona, tries to persuade the Apaches to stay out of the conflict, partly to protect his ex-fiancée Julie McQuade (Fleming), now married to Sam McQuade (John Ridgely).

There may be no surprises or special brilliance in director Lewis R Foster’s 1951 Western film The Last Outpost, but this medium-budget production entertains thanks to a decent story, a good-looking Technicolor production and involving, stalwart acting, especially from the two male stars and Fleming, plus Noah Beery Jr as Reagan’s loyal sidekick Sgt. Calhoun.

It is written for the screen by Daniel Mainwaring (as Geoffrey Homes), George Worthing Yates and Winston Miller, suggested by a story by David Lang.

Mainwaring is the writer of the novel Build My Gallows High and the screenplay for its movie version Out of the Past (1947), which features Rhonda Fleming.

Pine-Thomas next used Fleming as John Payne’s leading lady in the adventure film Crosswinds (1951), and teamed her with Reagan again in Hong Kong (1951).

RIP Rhonda Fleming (born Marilyn Louis; August 10, 1923 – October 14, 2020).

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,540

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