Stampede

Good

During the late 1940s actor Rod Cameron graduated from playing B-level Westerns--he did several for Universal in the early and mid 1940s--to major roles, first for Universal (River Lady, Frontier Gal, and Pirates of Monterrey), then 20th Century Fox (Dakota Lil, Belle Starr's Daughter). Republic would pick him up for another eight, including two (Brimstone and Ride the Man Down) that appeared a number of years ago on VHS cassette. Three of his best oaters were made by Allied Artists, the higher quality releasing agent for Monogram Pictures (he made three shorter color films for Monogram, as well, which are available on Warner Archive). Perhaps the best of the three was Panhandle, which has seen a very nice release from VCI Entertainment, from an original sepiatone print. Now Warner Archive has released the other two Allied Artists productions: Stampede and Short Grass. And both are very welcomed additions to the stable of available Western films on DVD. Stampede was released in 1949; it is a trim 77 minutes long. Production values are high, and the film compares very favorably in quality with other "little A" Westerns being released at the time. The Warner print is clear and quite decent.In addition to Rod Cameron, Allied Artists assembled a solid cast, including Johnny Mack Brown as the town sheriff, Don Castle, Gale Storm, Donald Curtis, and John Miljan--all of whom were no strangers to Westerns. The dependable Lesley Selander directs.I first saw Stampede many years ago at a local film festival, and I was impressed with it then, as I continue to be now. The plot line is taut and believable. The action is swift and exciting---and I still have questions about the famous "cattle stampede" towards the end of the film. Cameron is a solid actor, in some ways resembling Randy Scott in his acting. And Johnny Mack Brown is a special treat. As he proved in such films as Wells Fargo, Johnny can act in a BIGGER Western: he's good, very good.In short, this is a fine film, worth investigating. I'm delighted to have it out on DVD-R.

It was a pleasant surprise to see this release. Rod Cameron is still underrated as a western star - not quite as well-remembered as the post-war trio of Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea and Audie Murphy, but he most certainly ought to be placed in their company, considering the quality of his output. Releases of his westerns on VHS and DVD have been intermittent, so any opportunity to add to the collection should be seized forthwith, especially if further titles are deemed economic enough to bring out. The print of 'Stampede' is very acceptable, considering the extreme rarity of the film. Further suggested titles would include 'Ride The Man Down' (once available on VHS), 'Yaqui Drums', 'Brimstone' and the big-budget 'San Antone'. 'Dakota Lil' has just been released in the UK. A great many so-called 'B+ Westerns' made between the years 1945 and 1960 lie in obscurity (save for occasional TV airings) but Rod Cameron in particular, with his rugged persona and thick-set voice, was always a star who 'fitted the part' superbly well, so my advice would be to purchase this present title - long forgotten - while it is available.

The One man arrogance of a Cattle ranch owner & how he fell in love despite his losses "

My Mom likes it.

First class, underated western with a great cast, the action scenes are surprisingly realistic and ahead of their time. I cannot recomend this release highly enough. As usual with these Archive titles, good quality as well.

👍

Rod Cameron is not a cowboy in the mould of Autry or Rogers, Scott or Stewart but the Canadian is a breath of fresh air. Tall, powerful & believeable with a great Canadian drawl was in superior B westerns such as Stampede. A good story, excellent cast such as the tasty Gale Storm - hard to believe her name, but Cottle her real name not acceptable in Hollywood & Johnny Mack Brown, a B star in westerns perhaps past hus best, but still a dominant figure. The script was part written by Blake Edwards, who went on to greater things. The story is unusual in that the " hero" Cameron is seen in an unfriendly role at the outset, but as the film progresses the viewer gets to grips with what is happening, his relationship with his brother being a major factor. Needless to say the love interest initially opposed to Cameron is laterTaking him by "storm"......This above average B western in B&W is well worth adding to your collection.

For Western fans - a good Allied Artists Western from 1949 courtesy of Warner Archive. An excellent B/W print, 4.3 ratio, with good sound. No extras or subs. Rod Cameron is a realistic, tough Western hero and shines in this Ranchers vs. Nesters story. Supported by Johnny Mack Brown in an almost throwaway role, the film has it's fair share of violent fist fights, gunfights and - er - yes a "Stampede". Leslie Selander directs fast and furiously, and for lovers of the genre it really is a must (but of course it's no "Shane" or "High Noon") Recomended