The Spoilers (1942)

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The fourth of five movie versions of the rugged Rex Beach novel of the same name, 1942's The Spoilers stars Marlene Dietrich, John Wayne, and Randolph Scott. The plot, involving the cheating of Alaskan gold rush prospectors by a crooked gold commissioner, requires that Scott play a villain,… More The fourth of five movie versions of the rugged Rex Beach novel of the same name, 1942's The Spoilers stars Marlene Dietrich, John Wayne, and Randolph Scott. The plot, involving the cheating of Alaskan gold rush prospectors by a crooked gold commissioner, requires that Scott play a villain, Alexander McNamara. Prospector Roy Glennister (Wayne) is continually persecuted by McNamara, who has the law on his side, until the two decide to settle their dispute man-to-man in a spectacular reel-long fistfight. La Dietrich plays saloon-hall gal Cherry Mallote, who becomes the romantic bone of contention between Glennister and McNamara. William Farnum, who played John Wayne's role in the original 1914 filmization of The Spoilers, plays a key supporting role in this remake; also on hand in a cameo is poet Robert W. Service, of The Shooting of Dan McGrew fame. Listen for a cute inside joke at the beginning of the picture, invoking the name of co-producer Lee Marcus. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Ray Enright
Written By: Lawrence Hazard
Genres: Western, Action & Adventure, Classics

In Theaters: May 8, 1942 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Rough and tumble John Wayne flick highlighted by brawl with Randolph Scott.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
For the first time on DVD, "The Spoilers" is one of five films in Universal's "John Wayne: Screen Legend Collection," celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Duke's birth.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
This Alaskan adventure is the fourth film version of the popular 1906 book and the second pf three teamings of John Wayne with Marlene Dietrich.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Marlene couldn't be sexier, wearing brocades and gowns, changing from one gown to another at the drop of a beer stein.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Average western put over by its stars. Marlene Dietrich is the most glamourous saloon keeper you'll ever see and John Wayne is young and handsome.

Cast

            Marlene Dietrich as Cherry Mallote

            Randolph Scott as Alexander McNamara

            John Wayne as Roy Glennister

            Margaret Lindsay as Helen Chester

            Richard Barthelmess as Bronco Kid Farrell

            William Farnum as Wheaton

            Harry Carey as Al Dextry

            George Cleveland as Banty

            Samuel S. Hinds as Judge Stillman

            Russell Simpson as Planiack

            Marietta Canty as Adabelle

            Jack Norton as Mr. Skinner

            Charles Halton as Jonathan Struve

            Bud Osborne as Marshall

            Drew Demarest as Galloway

            Robert W. Service as The Poet

            Irving Bacon as Hotel Proprietor

            Ray Bennett as Clark

            Chester Clute as Montrose

            Willie Fung as Jailed Chinaman

            William Gould as Marshal Thompson

            William Haade as Deputy

            Robert E. Homans as Sea Captain

            Bob McKenzie as Restaurateur

            Charles McMurphy as Deputy

            Art Miles as Deputy

            Forrest Taylor as Bennett

            Lloyd Ingraham as Kelly

            Harry Woods as Complaining Miner

            Harry Carey Sr.
            
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The Spoilers (1942)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Cast