Old Smokey
Old Smokey

Movie spotlight

Old Smokey

1938
Movie
8 min
English

Engine Co. No. 1 is replacing faithful fire horse Old Smokey with a new engine, which Der Captain is very proud of. He soon gets a chance to test it, when his panicked wife calls; unfortunately, he's still learning how to use it. As he arrives, the ladder extends to its full range, with the Captain on top and most of the rungs missing.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Robert F. HillGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

A rancher is framed for rustling by a greedy foreman who plans to take over his property. With the help of his loyal dog, Old Smokey, he must clear his name and reclaim his ranch. The film follows his struggle against the foreman's machinations and his bond with his canine companion.

Critical Reception

As a B-movie Western from the era, 'Old Smokey' received modest attention, primarily serving its niche audience. Contemporary reviews often highlighted the presence of Hoot Gibson and the sentimental aspect of the dog's role, while acknowledging its formulaic plot typical of the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the enduring appeal of Hoot Gibson in a familiar Western role.

  • The sentimental subplot involving the dog, Old Smokey, was a common point of appreciation.

  • Noted as a standard, predictable Western plot with limited originality.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Old Smokey' is difficult to gauge with modern metrics, but typical comments from its release would likely have focused on its straightforward Western narrative and the heartwarming relationship between the hero and his dog.

Fun Fact

The film is notable for showcasing the breed of dog that would later become famous as 'Lassie,' though this particular dog was not portrayed by the same animal that would later achieve stardom.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review