Covered Wagon Trails

Covered Wagon Trails is a 1940 American Western film directed by Raymond K. Johnson, starring Jack Randall, Sally Cairns and Lafe McKee.[2]

Covered Wagon Trails
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRaymond K. Johnson
Written byTom Gibson
Produced byHarry S. Webb
StarringJack Randall
Sally Cairns
Lafe McKee
CinematographyEdward A. Kull
Edited byRobert Golden
Music byJohnny Lange
Lew Porter
Frank Sanucci
Production
company
Distributed byMonogram Pictures
Release date
  • April 10, 1940 (1940-04-10)[1]
Running time
52 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Cast

Plot

When Jack Cameron's brother, Ed, is killed on his way to meet his brother who is arriving with a wagon train, Jack sets out to find his murderers. As part of his plan, he allows himself to be captured by Fletcher and his gang of outlaws. He uncovers that it was Fletcher who killed his brother, in order to plunder the wagon train. While he is on the murderers' trail, he meets Carol Bradford, the daughter of the wagon train's leader, John Bradford. The two fall in love. In the end, Jack brings the murderers to justice and Jack ends up with Carol.

Production

In early March 1940 it was announced that Sally Cairns was to be the leading lady in the film. She joined a cast which already included Jack Randall, in the male leading role, Steve Clark, Glenn Strange, John Elliott, Kenne Duncan, and Dave Sharpe. Raymond K. Johnson was set to direct under the producing supervision of Harry S. Webb.[3] Production began in the last week of February, and was scheduled for release on April 10, opening on time.[4][5][6] Production on the film was finished by March 9.[7] The National Legion of Decency gave the film a rating of A-1, "Unobjectionable for general patronage".[8]

Reception

Showmen's Trade Review gave the picture a positive review, feeling it was well-paced and would hold the interest of the audience throughout the show. They applauded the acting of Randall, as well as the editing of Robert Golden.[6] The Film Daily gave the film a mediocre review, saying it was simple routine western fare, and the direction and cinematography were simply okay.[9]

References
  1. "Covered Wagon Trails". American Film Institute. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  2. Pitts p.70
  3. "Randall Gets New Leading Lady", Showmen's Trade Review, p. 24, March 2, 1940, retrieved February 1, 2023
  4. "Feature Guide", Showmen's Trade Review, p. 43, March 2, 1940, retrieved February 1, 2023
  5. "34 New Films Now Shooting On Coast Lots", Motion Picture Daily, p. 4, February 27, 1940, retrieved February 1, 2023
  6. "Covered Wagon Trails", Showmen's Trade Review, p. 16, May 11, 1940, retrieved February 1, 2023
  7. "Production Slack", Motion Picture Herald, p. 57, March 9, 1940, retrieved February 1, 2023
  8. "National Decency Legion Classifies Nine Films", Motion Picture Herald, p. 54, April 20, 1940, retrieved February 1, 2023
  9. "Reviews of the New Films: "Covered Wagon Trails"", The Film Daily, p. 8, May 9, 1940, retrieved February 1, 2023

Bibliography
  • Pitts, Michael R. Western Movies: A Guide to 5,105 Feature Films. McFarland, 2012.
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