Destry Rides Again

Welcome to Bottleneck.

Deputy Tom Destry Jr. (James Stewart) rides in to Bottleneck and sets about ridding the town of its riff-raff elements - without guns!

Based on the novel by Max Brand, Destry Rides Again simultaneously spoofed the Western genre whilst reinvigorating Marlene Dietrich's flagging career. At first glance it seemed an odd casting choice to choose Dietrich as the bawdy saloon chanteuse, Frenchy, especially since Paulette Goddard was originally cast for the role. But it really comes off, where Dietrich's loud and brusque portrayal perfectly plays off of Jimmy Stewart's laid back and gentle mannered Destry performance.

The role of Destry is tailor made for Stewart, his everyman charm sits perfect for a character who ...

This was very interesting and I enjoyed it significantly. It's weird watching very early James Stewart--he's not what one would consider a conventional romantic male lead--and this is a very bizarre Western/comedy/musical. Anything starring Dietrich of this vintage is priceless, no doubt. Very weird, especially considering America's ever-present right-to-bear-arms controversy, watching a film like this, too. A purely magical film that's essential to own and re-watch for any Stewart, Dietrich or Western enthusiasts--and a strong reason why 1939 was the greatest year ever for American cinema.

Brian Donlevy ("Kent") and Malrene Dietrich ("Frenchy") pretty much run the town of Bottle Neck. Everyone comes to their saloon where they blow off steam and where she regularly serenades them with some toe-tappers. Upstairs, "Kent" runs a crooked poker game and together they fleece gullible old "Claggett" out of his ranch. He goes to the sheriff who promises to intercede, and pretty soon the town drunk has a new job! This new sheriff "Dimsdale" (Charles Winninger) worked for the original "Destry" back in the day, so determined to clean up the town for good, he sends for his son "Tom" (James Stewart). Nobody is prepared for the rather dapper gent who disembarks from the stage without a gun. Everyone assumes he is going to be a bit of a wash...