Watch When a Man's a Man
- Approved
- 1935
- 1 hr 8 min
-
6.6 (93)
When a Man's a Man is a 1935 Western film starring the ruggedly handsome George O'Brien in the lead role of Dempsey Rae, a wandering cowboy with a mysterious past. The film is set in the rough and tumble world of the American West in the late 1800s, where men were men and life was tough. The story opens with Dempsey Rae and his partner, Jeff (Paul Kelly), travelling to Wyoming in search of work as cowboys. They eventually find jobs on a ranch owned by a wealthy widow named Reed Bowman (Dorothy Wilson). Despite Reed's initial skepticism of the two rough-and-tumble cowboys, they quickly prove their worth by saving her cattle from rustlers and helping her bring in a herd of wild horses.
As the days pass, a romance starts to develop between Dempsey and Reed. But their happiness is short-lived when Reed's scheming foreman, Buck (Russell Simpson), reveals that Dempsey has a dangerous past that could jeopardize everything they've worked for. Dempsey soon finds himself caught in a web of lies and betrayal, with his very life on the line.
At its core, When a Man's a Man is a classic western tale of good versus evil. The rugged scenery and dusty landscapes of the American West serve as the backdrop to the film's themes of loyalty, honor, and redemption. George O'Brien's performance as Dempsey is masterful, as he brings a quiet intensity to the character that is both ruggedly masculine and deeply sensitive.
Dorothy Wilson is also captivating as Reed Bowman, portraying her as a strong and independent woman who knows how to handle herself in a world dominated by men. Paul Kelly's Jeff is the perfect foil to Dempsey's brooding intensity, providing a much-needed dose of humor to the film.
Director Edward F. Cline brings a keen eye for detail to the film's many action scenes, which include a pulse-pounding stampede and a dramatic horse-breaking sequence. The film's final showdown is particularly memorable, with O'Brien and Kelly going head-to-head with the film's villain in a tense and brutal showdown.
Despite its age, When a Man's a Man remains a classic example of the golden age of Hollywood westerns. Its themes of honor, loyalty, and redemption are timeless, and its performances are nothing short of outstanding. Whether you're a fan of classic westerns or just looking for a thrilling adventure, When a Man's a Man is a must-see film that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
When a Man's a Man is a 1935 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.