There was a time when Randolph Scott sat as tall in the saddle as John Wayne. It is most unfortunate that most of his work is not on DVD and some of his best (The Tall T) aren't even currently on VHS! Scott's westerns of the 50's decade revealed a versatile and talented actor, which is remarkable for a star who was instantly recognizable and reliable to play a hero of certain standards. One thing that is that is also remarkable about these films (and The Tall T immediately comes to mind) is they certainly didn't need a big budget. Instead, a good, suspenseful script, excellent cast, and dare I say, a redeeming morality made for an excellent and classic film.
After watching all kinds of Westerns: Spaghetti, modern revisionist, Hollywood 40's, 50's, 60's, & 70's, I sat down to watch a few Randolph Scott movies and was literally on the edge of my seat. And this was right after sitting through the over-the-top effects wizardry of Van Helsing! Mr. Scott's extraordinary but ordinary characters made me forget I was watching a movie and drew me into the story and issues as if they were happening to me.
Randolph Scott is virtually relegated to obscurity today compared to the major Western star he was many years ago. This is our loss. A boxed set or two of his great Westerns would be a small step in the right direction of returning him to his proper status in film history. More importantly, after watching just a few of his movies and the realistic honor portrayed by him, I am left with the distinct feeling that the world was a better place with with Randy in the saddle, and his kind will not ride through again.
