'The Oklahoma Kid' is a Western film made by Warner Bros.in 1939, directed by Lloyd Bacon and starring James Cagney in his first Western, Humphrey Bogart, Rosemary Lane and Ward Bond.
The film was not a great success on its release but it is fast moving and is interesting for the appearance of its two stars in non-gangster roles.
Plot
The action is set in the late 19th century in Oklahoma's Cherokee Strip. Humphrey Bogart plays Whip McCord who leads a gang which robs the stage carrying money to pay Indians for their land. He, in turn, is robbed by the outlaw gang led by Jim Kincaid, known as the Oklahoma Kid, played by James Cagney. This leads to a feud between the two gangs and an entertaining goodies vs baddies western.
There's drama aplenty, along with a surprising amount of humour and also romance.
Production
There was some friction on set between Cagney and Bogart leading to Bogart's celebrated quip that Cagney in his 10-gallon hat looked like a mushroom. (he does)
Main Cast
Cagney seems to be enjoying himself in this role, and makes us want to have fun with him. Bogart is in a supporting role, but has great presence whenever he is on screen.
. Rosemary Lane is excellent as the love interest and Donald Crisp gets a lot of good scenes as the honest Judge.
James Cagney ... Jim Kincaid / "The Oklahoma Kid"
Humphrey Bogart ... Whip McCord
Rosemary Lane ... Jane Hardwick
Donald Crisp ... Judge Hardwick
Harvey Stephens ... Ned Kincaid
Hugh Sothern ... John Kincaid
Charles Middleton ... Alec Martin
Edward Pawley ... Ace Doolin
Ward Bond ... Wes Handley
Lew Harvey ... Ed Curley
Trevor Bardette ... Indian Jack Pasco
John Miljan ... Ringo (the lawyer)
Arthur Aylesworth ... Judge Morgan
Irving Bacon ... Hotel Clerk
Joe Devlin ... Keely
Wade Boteler ... Sheriff Abe Collins
Credits
Director ... Lloyd Bacon
Producer ... Samuel Bischoff,
Hal B. Wallis
Production Company ... Warner Bros.
Distribution Company ... Warner Bros. Pictures
Written by ... Wally Kline, Edward E. Paramore
Music ...
Max Steiner, Stephen Foster
Cinematography ... James Wong Howe
Format ... B & W
Release date ... March 3, 1939
Running time ... 85 min.
