The Virginian (1946) Part Two

(See part one here.)


When Molly learns that it really was the Virginian who gave her the horse, she regrets not accepting his invitation, and they start riding together regularly. The Virginian shows her a different side of the West than she knew—he shows her the beauty, the sheer vastness, of Wyoming. 

On one of their rides, they hear a bawling calf. The Virginian finds Steve putting Trampas's brand on one of Judge Henry's calves. He tells Steve that he won't cover up for him, and that he is doomed if he continues his lawless habits.

The Virginian (1946) Part One

Owen Wister's book The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains is sometimes called the first true Western novel, having been published in 1902, and it has been adapted for stage, screen, and radio. The two best-known adaptions are the 1929 film version starring Gary Cooper, and the television series (1962-71) starring James Drury, although the latter had very little in common with the original storyline.

This version, starring Joel McCrea, has lovely technicolor processing, interesting costumes, and outdoor locations—all filmed in California, of course. The quality of the acting varies, and the film may have its share of cliches (don't worry—I smile when I say that); but overall, it is an enjoyable film for any Western fan.

Plot: A cowboy known only as "The Virginian;" his devil-may-care pal; a schoolmistress from Vermont; a cattle rustler with no loyalties except to himself. These people and others close to them in the young state of Wyoming learn what it means to live by the honest—and often harsh—Law of the West.