Dorothy is a Doctor

Dave Saunders (Tim Holt) and his pal Chito Rafferty (Richard Martin) are looking for work as cowhands when they happen upon a stampede, caused by the drunken shenanigans of Gabe (James Bush), a ranch hand for Fred Warren (Cliff Clark). Mr. Warren summarily fires Gabe (and hires Dave and Chico who helped control the cattle), and is shot by Gabe in retaliation. Gabe escapes, but begins to plot revenge, and steal Mr. Warren's herd. Our film this week is Saddle Legion (1951).

This is a B picture, pure and simple. It's 68 minutes long, but it is quite a ride. Blink and you will surely miss something. Tim Holt has  just the right amount of sincerity as Dave - a true Western hero who does what needs to be done. And Richard Martin as Chito is silly without being a moron. 

Though Tim Holt would occasionally escape from Western films (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The Magnificent Ambersons, for example), much of his career was spent in B oaters.  A decorated war hero (he won the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart for her service in World War II's Pacific Theater of Operations), he would relocate to Oklahoma and life on a ranch the year after this film (TCM article). He made a few more film and television appearances, but by and large, he managed theatres and radio stations, produced rodeos and music jamborees. He died in 1973 of bone cancer.  

The reason this movie was selected is a simple one - the presence of Dorothy Malone as Dr. Ann F. Rollins.  Dr. Rollins is a competent and trusted physician. Though both Dave and Chito show surprise upon meeting her, their acceptance of her abilities is immediate, and it is clear that Mr. Warren is also confident of her skills. In an early draft of the film, the character of Ann Rollins was to have been a veterinarian, (Tim Holt and the B Westerns). Making her a physician works much better, as she then can question the supposed illness of Mr. Warren's cattle, but still need to seek help in the diagnosis. Ms. Malone is good, giving Ann a self-assured stance and a sexiness that is not usual in B Western heroines. Interestingly, Chito is the one who is wise enough to want to pursue more time with "Senorita Sawbones," probably one of the few times Mr. Holt didn't get the girl. 

Also in the cast is Movita Castañeda as Cantina performer Mercedes. She's later be called simply Movita, and would become the second Mrs. Marlon Brando. It's a fairly small part, but she acquits herself well.

No one would ever call this an outstanding movie, but we found it enjoyable. If you like Westerns (or movies about women doctors), give it a viewing. It's fun.