Wagon Wheels (1934)

Wagon Wheels (1934). 56m | Passed

“Randolph Scott? You donu0026#39;t need much more.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBut we get much more anyway.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn the late 1960s, Billy Lee was one of the celebrities who participated in a telethon sponsored by a local TV station in Knoxville, Tennessee. Iu0026#39;m embarrassed to admit that at the time I had no idea who he was. In fact, quite a few people attending didnu0026#39;t know his name. One of the girls from u0026quot;Petticoat Junctionu0026quot; was apparently the big attraction — and she was awfully cute.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBut watching Billy Lee in u0026quot;Wagon Wheelsu0026quot; and reading the reviews, one should realize that when Billy was a young boy, he was an excellent child actor and deserved to be remembered even into his adulthood. Any flaws in this movie are due to the writing and directing, not to his performance. And Iu0026#39;m glad to get a more accurate impression of his place in motion picture history.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnother actor in this excellent ensemble is Olin Howland. He has long been one of my favorites. He could portray a wide range of characters, from the hapless braggart in u0026quot;Angel and the Bad Manu0026quot; to the scout with strength and courage and leadership ability in u0026quot;Wagon Wheels.u0026quot; I find it odd heu0026#39;s listed so far down in the cast since his role is more a leader than even Scottu0026#39;s.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eRaymond Hatton is another great character actor. He got relegated to silly sidekick in too many films, but his star potential is evident as far back as the silent days.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eEven if one wants to compare this film to more expensive ones, it rates very high. Great acting, generally good photography, including the stock footage, and an exciting if standard story. The print I saw was pretty bad, but I strongly recommend u0026quot;Wagon Wheels.u0026quot;”