Destry Rides Again Blu-ray Review – Classy 1939 James Stewart Western?

I’m always pleased when classic films are restored and released on blu-ray. So with that said here’s my Destry Rides Again blu-ray review. It’s a western from 1939 starring James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich. Is this Criterion Collection release worth adding to your collection? Well it’s time to find out.

• Destry Rides Again (1939)
• Genre: Western
• Directed by George Marshall
• UK Rating PG
• Discs: 1
• Released By Criterion Collection
• Blu-ray Released: 18 May 2020

Plot

The new Sheriff of the town of Bottleneck decides he wants to bring law and order. To achieve this he sends for Destry (James Stewart) and appoints him as his new Deputy.

Style / Direction

The film was directed by George Marshall whilst Hal Mohr provided the cinematography. This is a western that has plenty of comedy but also has a darker tone as the film draws to an end.

Music / Audio Effects

The music is provided by Frank Skinner.

Acting / Characters

James Stewart is excellent in his first western. All of that Stewart charm that we have come to love is on display. He takes on the role of Deputy Sheriff brought in to clean up the town of Bottleneck

Co-starring with Stewart is Marlene Dietrich as Frenchy a dance hall queen. She’s a strange actress in many ways but does suit the role given to her.

Cast

• Marlene Dietrich as Frenchy, the saloon singer
• James Stewart as Tom Destry, Jr
• Charles Winninger as Washington
• Brian Donlevy as Kent
• Mischa Auer as Boris Callahan
• Una Merkel as Lily Belle
• Allen Jenkins as “Gyp” Watson
• Warren Hymer as “Bugs” Watson
• Irene Hervey as Janice Tyndall
• Jack Carson as Jack Tyndall
• Samuel S. Hinds as Judge Slade
• Billy Gilbert as Bartender

Conclusion: Destry Rides Again (1939) Film Review

James Stewart makes Destry Rides Again an entertaining film with his charming delivery and persona. I’m a fan of pretty much all of films and this one is no different. In many ways this is a western that shies away from violence and gives the women in film much of the power. You could say it ahead of its time. Then again there are many different types of films from this era some not that well known that take different approaches.

If you enjoyed my Destry Rides Again blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:

• Winchester ’73 (1950)
• Two Rode Together (1961)

Conclusion: Destry Rides Again Blu-ray Review

The film has undergone a 4K restoration and looks flawless. There absolutely nothing to complain about in terms of picture quality. It’s really great to seeing these classic films receiving such attention.

Not content with restoring the picture but this release also comes packed full of interviews one from director George Marshall. But that’s not all, there’s also a radio adaptation of the film included from 1945.

I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this whilst you can, it a fantastic blu-ray release.

Extras

• Imogen Sara Smith – Interview (17 mins)
• George Marshall – Interview (19 mins)
• Donald Dewey – Interview (21 mins)
• Radio Broadcast (54 mins)

Destry Rides Again (1939) Blu-ray

Destry Rides Again (1939) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.

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Popcorn Cinema Rating:

Destry Rides Again (1939)

MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH A LOOK

BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT

POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED

Destry Rides Again (1939) Trailer

For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…

Clip not representative of the blu-ray version

That concludes my James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich, Destry Rides Again blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more classic westerns soon. What’s next? Check back soon…

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