The entire cast of this film are as near to flawless in their performances as is possible. Marin's direction, the writing of Fix and Hogan... it is all drawn together to deliver a very special experience for those of us lucky enough to enjoy it.The word "masterpiece" is over-used, so I will simply remark that this film is something special. It is difficult to envisage it working in any other setting than the American west. It is a "western"... but oh so much more as well.Gabby Hayes delivers a performance which can only be described as "iconic". For someone who many say could not act, John Wayne's portrayal of a man with hidden wounds as he boards the stage with Gabby Hayes at the beginning of the film is subtle and under-stated but very, very good. For those who wonder what I am blathering about, consider the line "I never feel sorry for anything that happens to a woman." The dialogue throughout is first rate and where else could you see a thoughtful John Wayne in an apron, kneading dough ? Ella Raines's entrance into the story is packed with power and intensity... and she never lets up for the rest of the film. A memorable performance. There are extraordinary depths to this film. It seems to me that the writers and the director were well acquainted with how humankind can get it "wrong". There are no really "bad" people in this film... just people who, through weakness, delusions about who they are and what they are entitled to... mess up their own lives... and the lives of others. Note that these people tend to be "professionals"... with definite hints of accountancy or legal qualifications. They've missed "the point" and all that life has to offer.Like all great films, it is clearly a team effort... and when they made this one, boy did they have a team.

Out of nowhere comes a stranger. Silent, mysterious... You hear about the clichés, but certain clichés are more talked about than seen. How many times we want The Duke to just kick some butt, only to see someone like James Stewart or Montgomery Clift knock him down. Even in Stagecoach he lets himself captured. Enough of the dark side, where's our hero? He's in this one, Tall In The Saddle. I'm so happy I found this film. John Wayne in his most heroic form! With iron fists and swagger that charms the hottest ladies. Ella Raines, hubba hubba! The story is fast moving and wild, with all the characteristics of a fine mystery.The positive reviews are right on the money. The trailer doesn't show all the best action, just gives you a taste. This forgotten gem needs to be preserved among the finest examples of the art form known as Traditional Western, polished and put on Blu-Ray. Holla if you hear me!

John Wayne steps knee-deep into murder, intrigue, and suspicion, when he rides out to take a ranch job. Shortly before he arrived, his soon-to-be employer was shot to death and sleazy judge Ward Bond is high on the list of suspects.Here, the Duke is in his prime and at his macho, swaggering best, while sidekick George "Gabby" Hayes has never been more entertaining or funnier. As a hard-case female rancher Ella Raines gives a great performance and is very beautiful, if a bit mean! She and Wayne have great chemistry, Mixing western themes with mystery and a bit of film-noir, Tall In The Saddle is fast-moving and has more twists and turns than a mountain road. If you blink, you might miss something.Highly recommended!

i thought his was a pretty good John Wayne film.sure,a lot of the movie is typical of most westerns in many ways,but in other ways,it isn't.for example, i thought the story was a bit more fleshed out and interesting,and there is an air of unpredictability to it.there is not as much action as many of Wayne's films,but there is enough to satisfy.of course,there is some humour involved,and just like many westerns,there's a mix of odd characters,which i liked.this is not an epic film,by any means,but it's not supposed to be.the movie kept me interested right to the end,and when it was over,i felt satisfied.for me,Tall in The saddle is a 7/10