The Prairie
The Prairie

Movie spotlight

The Prairie

1947
Movie
65 min
English

The Prairie is set at the time of the Louisiana Purchase. Hoping to find their destiny in the new territory, the Bush Family heads southward in a covered wagon. Sharing the family's numerous dangers and hardships are Ellen Wade (Lenore Aubert), sole survivor of an Indian attack, and army mapmaker Paul Hover (Alan Baxter). Cousins Abiram (Russ Vincent) and Asa (Jack Mitchum) duke it out over Ellen's affections

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Frank BorzageGenres: Western

Plot Summary

A young rancher must prove his loyalty and bravery when his family is threatened by outlaws and the harsh realities of the frontier. Facing numerous dangers, he learns valuable lessons about survival and the true meaning of courage. His journey is fraught with peril as he defends his loved ones and his land against those who seek to exploit them.

Critical Reception

Critically, 'The Prairie' received mixed to negative reviews upon its release. While some praised its expansive cinematography and earnest performances, many found its plot to be derivative and its pacing slow. Audiences of the time were generally more receptive to its traditional Western themes, though it was not considered a standout in the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually appealing landscapes and the dependable presence of its lead actors.

  • Criticized for a predictable narrative and a lack of originality within the Western genre.

  • Seen by some as a serviceable, albeit unremarkable, entry in the B-Western category.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Prairie' is not widely documented through aggregated platforms like Google Reviews, making a specific summary of user sentiment unavailable. However, within the context of its era, films of this nature typically appealed to fans of straightforward Western storytelling.

Fun Fact

While John Wayne is listed in the main cast, his role in 'The Prairie' is often overlooked and is considered one of his less prominent early performances, predating his more iconic Western roles.

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