Winds of the Wasteland

Winds of the Wasteland, released in 1936, is a classic Western film directed by Mack V. Wright. Set against the backdrop of the post-Civil War era, the movie follows the story of John Blair, played by John Wayne, and his loyal partner Smoky, portrayed by Philiip 'Smiley' Burnette, as they struggle to find a new purpose in a world where technological advancements are rendering their occupation obsolete. As the telegraph begins to replace the Pony Express, Blair and Smoky find themselves without a job. They try to venture into other pursuits, but they soon realize that their skills as riders are in high demand for different purposes. One such opportunity presents itself when Drake, a staghound stagecoach owner, announces his intention to bid on the lucrative government mail contract for Central California. Drake is determined to get the contract and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. He sees the riders from the Pony Express as potential threats and decides to eliminate them by any means necessary. His plan is to have them eliminated so that he will have minimal competition for the contract. This sinister plot sets Blair and Smoky on a perilous journey, as they face numerous challenges and rivalries to ensure their survival. Drake's determination to monopolize the mail routes also puts him at odds with other stagecoach operators who are eager to secure the contract. The tension among the groups becomes increasingly intense as the competition for the lucrative deal heats up. As the stakes are raised, the action unfolds with high-speed chases, shootouts, and horse riding sequences. Despite facing numerous challenges, Blair and Smoky are able to gather a team of like-minded individuals, including a beautiful woman named Carol Lane, to help them thwart Drake's nefarious plans and secure the mail contract for themselves. However, their efforts are met with intense opposition from Drake's gang, who seek to eliminate any competition and claim the contract for themselves. In one of the most pivotal scenes in the film, Blair and his cohorts engage in a high-stakes horse racing competition with Drake's group. Riding at breakneck speeds, the riders navigate the rugged terrain, showcasing their incredible riding skills. The competition serves as a thrilling climax to the story, as Blair's team edges closer to securing the contract. However, just when it seems that Blair's crew is poised to win, they suffer a series of setbacks. Carol Lane discovers that Drake is in a complicated marriage, further motivating her to assist Blair in defeating him. With Carol Lane's knowledge, they devise a plan to steal Drake's mail contract contract away from him. After a tense confrontation, Blair manages to outsmart and outmaneuver Drake, securing the contract and solidifying his place among the riders. The film ends with Blair and Smoky returning to their lives in the Pony Express, proud of their accomplishments. Blair has proven himself as a skilled and cunning opponent, and his determination has ultimately earned him success in a rapidly changing world. Shot on location in various parts of California, Winds of the Wasteland offers stunning vistas of the American West. John Wayne's early portrayal of a rugged and skilled rider sets the stage for his future success in the Western genre.