Blue Steel

Plot

Sheriff Jake (John Wayne) witnesses a mysterious man at the town safe just before discovering the payroll has vanished. Following the suspect, Jake is saved from an ambush by the very man he's pursuing, creating a complex moral dilemma. Despite his lingering suspicions, Jake teams up with the stranger and together they uncover a conspiracy led by Melgrove, the town's most prominent citizen, who is systematically bankrupting local ranchers by hijacking supply wagons. As desperate ranchers prepare to sell their properties to Melgrove at rock-bottom prices, Jake and his new ally vow to break through the blockade and deliver essential provisions, leading to a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of the entire community.

Historical Background

Released during the Great Depression, 'Blue Steel' reflected the era's anxieties about economic exploitation and the struggle of ordinary people against powerful interests. The film's theme of a community banding together against a wealthy villain resonated with audiences facing widespread unemployment and bank failures. 1934 was also a year of significant change in Hollywood, with the Hays Code being more strictly enforced, influencing how violence and romance could be portrayed. Westerns were particularly popular during this period as they offered escapist entertainment and reinforced traditional American values of self-reliance and justice.

Making Of

Robert N. Bradbury was known for his efficiency in directing westerns, often completing films in under a week. John Wayne was still developing his on-screen persona during this period, working extensively with Bradbury to refine his western hero character. The production utilized local ranch hands and cowboys as extras, many of whom had real experience with horses and cattle. The film's action sequences were choreographed by Yakima Canutt, a legendary stuntman who worked on numerous Wayne westerns. The tight budget meant that costumes and props were often reused from previous productions, with Wayne wearing the same cowboy outfit in multiple films.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Archie Stout utilized natural lighting and the dramatic landscapes of the Alabama Hills to create visually striking compositions despite budget limitations. The camera work was functional rather than artistic, focusing on clear storytelling and action visibility. Long shots emphasized the isolation of the western setting, while medium shots kept the action clear for theater audiences. The film's visual style was typical of Lone Star productions, prioritizing efficiency over innovation but making effective use of available natural scenery.

Innovations

The film demonstrated the efficiency of B-western production techniques, completing a full-length feature in less than a week of shooting. The action sequences, while simple, were effectively staged using practical stunts and real horseback riding. The production utilized location shooting to maximum advantage, creating authentic western atmosphere without expensive set construction. The film's tight editing and pacing kept the story moving efficiently within its brief runtime.

Music

The film featured a typical western score of the period, with stock music used to underscore action sequences and emotional moments. No original musical numbers were included, as was common for action-oriented westerns. The sound design emphasized gunshots, hoofbeats, and ambient western sounds. As was typical for low-budget productions, much of the music was reused from earlier Monogram Pictures releases to save on costs.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening payroll robbery sequence where Sheriff Jake first spots the mysterious stranger
• The ambush scene where the suspect saves Jake's life, creating the moral dilemma
• The final confrontation where Jake and his ally break through the supply wagon blockade
• The tense standoff between the ranchers and Melgrove's forces

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews were typical for B-westerns, with trade publications like Variety noting it as 'adequate Saturday matinee fare' while praising Wayne's growing star presence. The Motion Picture Herald described it as 'fast-paced western action that should satisfy the regular western audience.' Modern critics view the film as an interesting artifact of Wayne's early career, noting its efficiency in delivering genre conventions despite its limited resources. Film historians often cite it as an example of how the Lone Star productions helped establish Wayne's marketable screen image before his breakthrough in 'Stagecoach' (1939).

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by its target audience of western fans and Saturday matinee attendees. John Wayne's growing popularity ensured good attendance, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas where westerns were especially popular. The film's straightforward plot and clear moral distinctions appealed to Depression-era audiences seeking uncomplicated entertainment. While it didn't break any box office records, it performed adequately for a B-western and helped maintain Wayne's visibility during a crucial period of his career development.

You Might Also Like