RAINBOW VALLEY

Cinemavixion Review

Robert N. Bradbury's "Rainbow Valley" from 1935, starring the young John Wayne, offers a quintessential slice of early Western cinema. While the plot, involving newcomer John Martin's efforts to build a much-needed road against the machinations of the villainous Galt and his gang, might seem straightforward, it serves as a solid framework for classic Western tropes. Wayne, alongside the reliable George 'Gabby' Hayes and Lucile Browne, delivers a performance that hints at the star power he would later command. The film's modest runtime and straightforward narrative make it an accessible entry for those looking to explore the foundational elements of the genre. Despite its lack of major accolades, "Rainbow Valley" stands as a testament to the prolific output of Westerns during Hollywood's Golden Age, providing a glimpse into the kind of stories that captivated audiences then and continue to be appreciated by genre enthusiasts today.