White Eagle starring Buck Jones

 

Film Critic, Ted Reinhart compiled a list of the “Western Series Stars and Their Career Best Movie.”

I am well-nigh ignorant of the series phenomenon, so I am thankful to Mr. Reinhart for the entry point.

We start with the former stuntman turned cowboy star, Buck Jones, and his 1932 film, White Eagle. [Jones also starred in a 1941 serial of the same name.]

Jones plays a full-blooded Bannock Indian who rides for the Pony Express who must overcome racism and bad guys.

It is square-jawed basic work.

We are treated to under-cranked fistfights [versus a young Ward Bond, no less] and shirtless hero heroics.

The running time is brief, which likely aided my enjoyment. Jones mounts and dismounts a horse well at speed—always a joy to see good horsemanship.

I also call attention to the early anti-racism message and a surprisingly violent raid on a peaceful Indian camp where a trampled child’s toy echoes the later far more explicit Soldier Blue.

Assessment: A bit square for my tastes to pursue Mr. Jones further but I did respect my hour spent with him.