Stand Up and Fight
Stand Up and Fight

Movie spotlight

Stand Up and Fight

1939
Movie
97 min
English

A southern aristocrat clashes with a driver transporting stolen slaves to freedom.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: W. S. Van DykeGenres: Musical, Western, Drama

Plot Summary

In 1870s Montana, a group of soldiers and a frontiersman named Gordon are in conflict over a valuable herd of horses. Gordon, a skilled horseman, finds himself increasingly at odds with the army commander, Major Gordon, and his men. As tensions escalate, an old feud resurfaces, threatening to tear the community apart and leading to a dramatic confrontation.

Critical Reception

Stand Up and Fight received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its ambitious scope and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Wallace Beery, others found the plot convoluted and the musical numbers out of place for a Western. It was not a significant critical success but found a moderate audience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its star power, particularly Wallace Beery's rugged performance.

  • Criticized for an uneven tone, blending Western drama with musical elements.

  • The plot was often seen as meandering and failing to fully capitalize on its premise.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this film is not readily available through Google reviews.

Fun Fact

The film was one of MGM's most expensive productions of its time, boasting a large cast and elaborate sets, though it did not recoup its costs at the box office.

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