Cherokee Strip

Knoxville's PBS station just ran this movie on its "Riders of the Silver Screen" series (8/2011)introducing me to Richard Dix for the first time. He's a wonderful actor and and I'm surprised he's not up there with Roy, Gene and Hoppy. His age, I suppose. Anyway, a long standing family feud in Texas between the Morrels (Dix) and Barrets (Jory) continues when the parties move north to OK Territory as the government is setting up another land heist from the Cherokee's. A well written standard script is superbly acted amidst quality production values. This movie is a wonderful showcase for the talent of Victor Jory, a superb, under-rated actor. The music, especially one refrain as Dix and Clyde are riding across the land to inspect Jory's herd to see if it contains some of their cattle, is worthy of a A-list epic. Though Dix is a little "long of tooth" his resolute, unblinking stance and likability makes it hardly noticeable and the absence of some idiot buffoon side-kick (Al "Fuzzy" St. John comes to mind)is most enjoyable. The supporting cast is top notch (sorry, Charlie King ain't here, this is one of the few he missed). Cinematography is excellent! This movie stands toe to toe with such classics as Virginia City, Dodge City, San Antonio, etc. and should be a pleasant surprise for those western aficionados expecting standard PRC like "B" movie fare.