“Cattle Drive” is a Western adventure that follows the story of a spoiled young boy, Chester Graham Jr., the son of a wealthy railroad executive, who becomes separated from a train and is taken in by a group of cowboys on a cattle drive. Under the guidance of a tough but kind trail boss, the boy learns responsibility, discipline, and the value of hard work while traveling across the rugged terrain of the American West.
Genre: Western, Coming-of-Age
Director: Kurt Neumann
Kurt Neumann was a German-American director best known for his work in science fiction and adventure films during the 1940s and 1950s. He began his career in Germany before moving to Hollywood, where he directed a variety of low-budget features for studios such as Universal and RKO. One of his most famous later works is the original 1958 version of “The Fly.” Neumann had a knack for combining character-driven stories with action and visual storytelling.
Star Cast:
- Joel McCrea as Dan Matthews
- Dean Stockwell as Chester Graham Jr.
- Chill Wills as Dallas
- Henry Brandon as Jim Currie
- Howard Petrie as Jesse White
- Griff Barnett as Chester Graham Sr.
“Cattle Drive” received generally positive reviews from audiences and critics, especially for its strong moral message and effective performances. Joel McCrea’s portrayal of the cowboy mentor was praised for its sincerity, while young Dean Stockwell’s performance added emotional depth. The film was appreciated as a wholesome family Western with an educational undertone.
Fun Facts:
- Dean Stockwell was a rising child star at the time, and his role in “Cattle Drive” was one of several successful films during his early career.
- The film was shot on location in the scenic deserts of Utah and Arizona, adding authenticity and visual appeal to the story.
- Joel McCrea, a popular Western star, was known for selecting scripts with strong ethical themes, and “Cattle Drive” aligned with his values both on and off screen.
- The story shares thematic similarities with “Captains Courageous,” another tale of a privileged boy learning life’s lessons through manual labor and mentorship.
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