Destry Rides Again Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pacifist cowboy and a saloon singer team up to clean up a town, but mostly by telling stories and having catfights.

🍿 Destry Rides Again: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lawlessness in Bottleneck

The town of Bottleneck is controlled by Kent, a ruthless saloon owner, and his seductive partner Frenchy. They manipulate the townsfolk through rigged poker games, seizing their land and property. When Sheriff Keogh begins investigating the suspicious activities, Kent has him murdered, further solidifying his grip on the town.

An Unlikely Sheriff

The corrupt mayor, in league with Kent, appoints the town drunk, Washington Dimsdale, as the new sheriff, assuming he will be easily controlled. However, Dimsdale surprises everyone by embracing his responsibilities and calling upon Tom Destry Jr., son of the legendary lawman, to be his deputy. Tom is known for his unconventional methods, especially his aversion to guns.

Destry’s Arrival and Initial Impression

Destry’s arrival is met with amusement and skepticism. He carries a birdcage and a parasol, appearing more refined than the typical gunslinging lawman. He declares he doesn’t believe in guns, further diminishing his image in the eyes of the hardened townsfolk. However, Destry’s calm demeanor masks a sharp wit and a commitment to justice.

Growing Tensions and Shifting Alliances

As Destry investigates Keogh’s murder, tensions rise in Bottleneck. He confronts Kent and his gang, using his intelligence and charm to navigate the dangerous situation. Meanwhile, a spark ignites between Destry and Frenchy, who begins to question her allegiance to Kent. This leads to internal conflict as she is drawn to Destry’s integrity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Destry Jr. (James Stewart): The pacifistic deputy sheriff who arrives in Bottleneck to restore law and order using wit and charm rather than guns.
• Frenchy (Marlene Dietrich): The sultry saloon singer and Kent’s partner who finds herself falling for Destry and questioning her loyalty.
• Kent (Brian Donlevy): The ruthless boss of Bottleneck who uses violence and corruption to maintain control over the town.
• Washington Dimsdale (Charles Winninger): The town drunk who is surprisingly appointed sheriff and seeks to redeem himself by calling on Destry Jr. for help.
• Boris Callahan (Mischa Auer): A henpecked, comic character who becomes Destry’s unlikely deputy, providing humor and support.
• Judge Slade (Samuel S. Hinds): The corrupt judge who is in cahoots with Kent and enables his criminal activities in Bottleneck.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom Destry Jr.: “I knew a fellow once used to collect postage stamps. He always said the one good thing about a postage stamp: it always sticks to one thing ’til it gets there, y’know? I’m sorta like that too.” – Destry explains his determination to stay in Bottleneck and see things through, using a folksy analogy.
• Frenchy: “See what the boys in the back room will have.” – Frenchy sings this iconic song in the saloon, establishing her character and the atmosphere of the wild west.
• Tom Destry Jr.: “There’s no sense in me wearin’ a gun. I don’t believe in ’em.” – Destry explains his pacifist approach, which contrasts with the traditional Western hero image.
• Frenchy: “I should be brave and say, ‘Let’s have no more of it!’, but oh what’s the use when you know, I love it!” – Frenchy expresses her mixed feelings about the dangerous and exciting life she leads, showcasing her internal conflict.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $725,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: $345,000
• Worldwide Gross: $2,100,000 (estimated)

💥 Destry Rides Again Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! The way James Stewart plays against type as a non-violent lawman is brilliant. Marlene Dietrich is magnetic, and their chemistry is undeniable. The bar fight scene is hilarious, and the ending, while bittersweet, is perfect. I found myself grinning from ear to ear throughout the entire film. This is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys classic movies.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic westerns”
  • “Viewers who enjoy comedic westerns”
  • “Marlene Dietrich fans”
  • “James Stewart fans”
  • “Those who appreciate films with strong female characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Implied sexual content”
  • “Barroom brawls”
  • “Death”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “This movie revitalized the western genre with comedy and charm. James Stewart’s performance is endearing, while Marlene Dietrich shines as a saloon singer. A delightful classic that blends humor, romance, and action into a memorable experience. A top pick for classic movie lovers.
• Collider.com: “Destry Rides Again offers a unique twist on the classic western. James Stewart’s no-gun lawman is both charming and effective, while Marlene Dietrich is captivating as the saloon singer. This film is a perfect mix of comedy and drama, making it a must-see for fans of both genres.
• IMDb User Review: “Absolutely cracking Western spoof with great performances from Stewart and Dietrich. From the bar-room brawls and sassy ladies right down to its grand shootout finale, this film is a feel-good film with romance, comedy and action blended into a Western setting, and is most certainly one of the best films of the 1930s!

Audience Reactions

The bar fight between Marlene Dietrich and Una Merkel is a classic, and the singing by Marlene Dietrich is amazing.: Viewers loved the clever mix of comedy, drama, and romance.

James Stewart’s unique take on a lawman is refreshing and funny, making this a western like no other.: The performances by James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich were consistently praised.

Overall Consensus: A witty and charming western that blends comedy, romance, and action seamlessly. With outstanding performances from James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich, it remains a beloved classic.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Marlene Dietrich’s bar fight scene with Una Merkel was largely unchoreographed. The actresses agreed to improvise, leading to a realistic and intense brawl.”
• “The film was a comeback for Marlene Dietrich, who had been labeled “box office poison” prior to its release. Her role as Frenchy revitalized her career.”
• “Destry Rides Again was based on a novel by Max Brand and was previously adapted into a 1932 film starring Tom Mix. This version is considered the definitive one.”
• “James Stewart’s portrayal of Destry was his first major role in a Western, marking a turning point in his career towards more dramatic roles.”
• “The movie’s blend of comedy and Western themes was unusual for its time, contributing to its unique appeal and lasting popularity.”

🖥️ How to Watch Destry Rides Again?

Currently, ‘Destry Rides Again’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential television airings. Unfortunately, it’s not typically included in subscription streaming services, but keep an eye on rotation schedules for platforms like The Criterion Channel which occasionally feature classic films.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Destry Rides Again, you might like these similar films:

• The Westerner (1940): Another Western from the same era starring Gary Cooper that balances action and humor, with a focus on a lawman bringing order to a lawless town.
• My Darling Clementine (1946): A classic John Ford Western that deals with themes of law and order and the taming of the West, though with a more serious tone.
• Blazing Saddles (1974): A comedic Western that parodies many of the genre’s tropes, similar to the humorous elements found in ‘Destry Rides Again’.
• Shanghai Noon (2000): A modern action-comedy that blends Western elements with martial arts, offering a fresh take on the genre with a comedic tone.

🛒 Destry Rides Again Related Products

• Destry Rides Again [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray release of the classic film. Enjoy stunning picture and sound quality for a superior viewing experience. It Includes special features and behind-the-scenes content.
• James Stewart: The Western Collection (DVD): A collection of James Stewart westerns, featuring ‘Destry Rides Again’ and several others. Get multiple classic films in one package for a great value. Perfect for fans of Stewart and classic westerns.
• Vintage Movie Poster – Destry Rides Again: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. This poster is a perfect addition to any home theater or film enthusiast’s collection. It captures the classic charm of the movie.
• Western Movie Character Action Figure Set: A set of action figures featuring characters inspired by ‘Destry Rides Again’. These detailed figures make great collectibles or gifts for fans of the film. Perfect for display or imaginative play.

🎧 Soundtrack

Destry Rides Again features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “See What the Boys in the Back Room Will Have” – performed by Marlene Dietrich
• “Little Joe” – performed by Marlene Dietrich
• “You’ve Got That Look” – performed by Marlene Dietrich

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jimmy Stewart WAS SO VISIBLY AROUSED shooting these scenes, the filming had to be stopped!

Did you know Jimmy Stewart was so smitten with Marlene Dietrich on set that they had to stop filming? This video dives into that hilariously awkward moment, and honestly, can you blame him?

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