Tonight's Movie: Cattle Drive (1951) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

One of my favorite Joel McCrea Westerns, CATTLE DRIVE (1951), was recently released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber.

Along with SADDLE TRAMP (1950), CATTLE DRIVE was one of the first films which introduced me to Joel McCrea as a young viewer watching "old movies" on local commercial television.

The movie reunited McCrea with his costar from the previous year's superb STARS IN MY CROWN (1950), Dean Stockwell. They have a wonderful rapport which helps make CATTLE DRIVE shine.

Stockwell plays bratty Chester Graham Jr., son of a wealthy train owner (Leon Ames). Circumstances result in Chester being stranded in the desert when he steps off his father's train while it's taking on water, but fortunately he's rescued by Dan Mathews (McCrea).

Chester ends up working with Dan on a cattle drive until he can be reunited with his father. While he's initially sullen, eventually Dan and the cook (Chill Wills) get through to "Chet," as they call him, and Chet comes to enjoy life among the cowboys. It proves to be a life-changing experience which positively impacts Chet's character.

I wrote about this film in great depth for my Classic Movie Hub Western RoundUp column in December 2021, and I'd like to refer readers to that column for a much more detailed take on the movie. Suffice it to say that while CATTLE DRIVE may not be a top classic film, it's one I dearly love, so I'm very happy the movie will reach new audiences via Blu-ray.

CATTLE DRIVE was released on an attractive DVD in the TCM Vault collection over a dozen years ago, but that set is now out of print, making Kino Lorber's new Blu-ray release especially welcome.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray print looks very good, showing off the movie's Universal Technicolor to its best advantage. Sound quality is excellent.

Extras are unusually minimal for a Kino Lorber release, consisting of eight trailers for other Westerns available from Kino Lorber, some of which also star Joel McCrea. The disc does provide optional English subtitles.

CATTLE DRIVE runs 77 minutes. It was directed by Kurt Neumann and filmed by Maury Gertsman. The script was by Lillie Hayward and Jack Natteford. The supporting cast includes Griff Barnett, Bob Steele, and Henry Brandon.

CATTLE DRIVE is highly recommended as terrific viewing for Western fans and families alike.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray.

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