I just happened to catch the last two-thirds of `The Fighting Kentuckian' on TV a year or so ago and was absolutely aghast to see John Wayne and Oliver Hardy working together. I was so stunned by this-previously unknown to me-partnership that it was only after the film was over that it began to sink in that this was really a pretty nice little movie.
Recently I had an opportunity to buy the video for a very modest price ($4) and grabbed it. Finally getting to see it from start to finish, it makes much more sense and definitely cements my original thoughts that it is indeed a fine production.
The move is set in circa 1820 Alabama, where a group of Napoleonic officers and French landed gentry have taken haven after Waterloo and their emperor's second exile. While I am not sure how many Napoleonic soldiers were actually exiled (At least a couple of Napoleon's marshals went on to hold important political offices in subsequent regimes.), the situation is plausible enough. Not being good with the language and unfamiliar with the customs, the uprooted French are somewhat at the mercy of strangers.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Unfortunately, one of their apparent friends in the new country has betrayed them and is planning to take over their compact French village. That `friend,' Blake Randolph (John Howard) had previously concocted a scheme to change boundary lines and let the French build their town outside of the land granted to them by the government. He had convinced George Hayden (Grant Withers), the local power broker, to support it. Randolph had second thoughts, though, when he met voluptuous Fleurette De Marchand (Vera Ralston), daughter of General Paul de Marchand (Hugo Haas). He arranges a marriage contract with the general-very much in keeping with French tradition-and apparently hopes to convince Hayden to abandon the plan to steal the French land after the marriage.
Into this `delicate situation' as one character puts it, rides Kentucky militiaman John Breen (Wayne), a member of a roughneck Kentucky militia group, apparently just now making its way home from the War of 1812. Breen, of course, falls for Fleurette and, naturally, neither the aristocratic French family nor Randolph are happy about his overtures. Fleurette, however, feels different and apparently hopes Breen will sweep her off her feet.
Without giving away the entire plot, the movie is a satisfying little venture. Just having the French culture implanted into the American frontier is a brave and unusual stroke for this time period (1949). That it is handled with dignity, sensitivity and historical accuracy is even more impressive. I can see viewers actually heading for the encyclopedia set after watching it, to check up on the French Revolution, Napoleon, etc. The fact that both Wayne and the Kentucky infantry's commander show clear respect for the general is commendable, too.
Of course we get some good action, including a great wagon and horse chase and a good Napoleonic battle scene. This is topped off by the surprisingly good chemistry between Wayne and Hardy. They play off one another very well, with Hardy playing the loyal, if obese and clumsy Willie Paine. Wayne and Ralston have wonderful chemistry together, too. Scenes with the General and Madame de Marchand (Odette Myrtil) talking about their past are both enlightening and endearing. These are not two-dimensional stereotypical `Frenchies' so often portrayed by Hollywood in this time period. George Waggoner wrote and directed `The Fighting Kentuckian' and shows that John Ford was not the only director to get great work out of Wayne. The story flows smoothly and is handled very well.
Overall, I would highly recommend this movie. It's a great one for kids and enjoyable for adults, as well. Any Wayne or Ralston fan would enjoy it and any Laurel & Hardy fan needs to see it, just to see Hardy in this role! It is also fascinating for anyone with an interest in 18th or early 19th century France. Viva la Kentuckian!
Recently I had an opportunity to buy the video for a very modest price ($4) and grabbed it. Finally getting to see it from start to finish, it makes much more sense and definitely cements my original thoughts that it is indeed a fine production.
The move is set in circa 1820 Alabama, where a group of Napoleonic officers and French landed gentry have taken haven after Waterloo and their emperor's second exile. While I am not sure how many Napoleonic soldiers were actually exiled (At least a couple of Napoleon's marshals went on to hold important political offices in subsequent regimes.), the situation is plausible enough. Not being good with the language and unfamiliar with the customs, the uprooted French are somewhat at the mercy of strangers.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Unfortunately, one of their apparent friends in the new country has betrayed them and is planning to take over their compact French village. That `friend,' Blake Randolph (John Howard) had previously concocted a scheme to change boundary lines and let the French build their town outside of the land granted to them by the government. He had convinced George Hayden (Grant Withers), the local power broker, to support it. Randolph had second thoughts, though, when he met voluptuous Fleurette De Marchand (Vera Ralston), daughter of General Paul de Marchand (Hugo Haas). He arranges a marriage contract with the general-very much in keeping with French tradition-and apparently hopes to convince Hayden to abandon the plan to steal the French land after the marriage.
Into this `delicate situation' as one character puts it, rides Kentucky militiaman John Breen (Wayne), a member of a roughneck Kentucky militia group, apparently just now making its way home from the War of 1812. Breen, of course, falls for Fleurette and, naturally, neither the aristocratic French family nor Randolph are happy about his overtures. Fleurette, however, feels different and apparently hopes Breen will sweep her off her feet.
Without giving away the entire plot, the movie is a satisfying little venture. Just having the French culture implanted into the American frontier is a brave and unusual stroke for this time period (1949). That it is handled with dignity, sensitivity and historical accuracy is even more impressive. I can see viewers actually heading for the encyclopedia set after watching it, to check up on the French Revolution, Napoleon, etc. The fact that both Wayne and the Kentucky infantry's commander show clear respect for the general is commendable, too.
Of course we get some good action, including a great wagon and horse chase and a good Napoleonic battle scene. This is topped off by the surprisingly good chemistry between Wayne and Hardy. They play off one another very well, with Hardy playing the loyal, if obese and clumsy Willie Paine. Wayne and Ralston have wonderful chemistry together, too. Scenes with the General and Madame de Marchand (Odette Myrtil) talking about their past are both enlightening and endearing. These are not two-dimensional stereotypical `Frenchies' so often portrayed by Hollywood in this time period. George Waggoner wrote and directed `The Fighting Kentuckian' and shows that John Ford was not the only director to get great work out of Wayne. The story flows smoothly and is handled very well.
Overall, I would highly recommend this movie. It's a great one for kids and enjoyable for adults, as well. Any Wayne or Ralston fan would enjoy it and any Laurel & Hardy fan needs to see it, just to see Hardy in this role! It is also fascinating for anyone with an interest in 18th or early 19th century France. Viva la Kentuckian!