The Blazing Trail (1949 film)

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The Blazing Trail
Poster for the film
Directed byRay Nazarro
Written byBarry Shipman
Produced byColbert Clark
StarringCharles Starrett
CinematographyIra Morgan
Edited byPaul Borofsky
Production
company
Columbia Pictures
Distributed byColumbia Pictures
Release date
  • July 5, 1949 (1949-07-05) (US)[1]
Running time
59 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Blazing Trail, known in the United Kingdom as The Forged Will,[2] is a 1949 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett.

Plot[edit]

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

This picture was one of 65 "Durango Kid" films Starrett made for Columbia. The first two were made in 1940, while the remainder were made between 1945 and 1952 (when Starrett retired).[3] Production on the film began in late January 1949,[4] and was finished in early February.[5] There were several songs in the film, performed by Burnette, Duncan, and Penny. They were: "You Put Me on My Feet" and "Extra, Extra!," both with music and lyrics by Smiley Burnette; "Cheer Up," music and lyrics by Slim Duncan and Hank Penny; and "Want a Gal From Texas," music and lyrics by George LaVerne and Floyd Bartlett.[1] The picture was rated A-1, suitable for all audiences, by the National Legion of Decency.[6]

Reception[edit]

Motion Picture Daily gave the film a positive review, although they did find a flaws in the production, direction and writing. They extolled Starrett's performance, stating he "plays the Durango Kid in a roaringly-paced Western which, despite a few shortcomings, shapes up as good, exciting entertainment for action-film fans. Their issue came back with certain flashback scene, and the use of Starrett inserting narrative dialogue into the action. They highlighted the music insertions by Penny, Duncan and Burnette.[7]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "The Blazing Trail". American Film Institute. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  2. ^ Pitts, Michael R. (2012). Western Movies. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. p. 34. ISBN 978-1476600901.
  3. ^ Rowan, Terry (August 31, 2016). Character-Based Film Series Part 3. Lulu.com. p. 53. ISBN 978-1365021312.
  4. ^ "Slight Increase in Coast Production". Motion Picture Daily. January 27, 1949. p. 4. Retrieved December 11, 2019.Open access icon
  5. ^ "Production Drops To 20, From 24". Motion Picture Daily. February 2, 1949. p. 2. Retrieved December 11, 2019.Open access icon
  6. ^ "17 Additional Films Classified by Legion". Motion Picture Daily. February 2, 1949. p. 2. Retrieved December 11, 2019.Open access icon
  7. ^ "Reviews: "The Blazing Trail"". Motion Picture Daily. August 29, 1949. p. 7. Retrieved December 11, 2019.Open access icon

External links[edit]