Is Born to Be Wild Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1938)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Born to Be Wild (1938), audiences are invited back into the world of Action, Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Truck drivers Steve Hackett and Bill Purvis are fired from their jobs with the West Coast Trucking company for not using second-gear going down steep grades. Davis, the company vice-president, surprisingly asks them to carry a load of merchandise to Arrowhead and offers a $1000 bonus. He tells them it is a load of lettuce. Several miles out of Los Angelese, they are stopped by a mob of lettuce-farm workers on strike. When the first crate is tossed off the truck, it explodes and the two pals learn their merchandise is a cargo of dynamite. The workers let them proceed and they crash into a car driven by Mary Stevens, whom they had met at a restaurant. She and her dog, "Butch" (played by a Credited dog named Stooge), join them and they deliver their cargo, and learn unscrupulous real-estate operators have jammed the locks on the dam in order to ruin the ranchers and farmers and take over their property."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Ralph Byrd is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Born to Be Wild worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Born to Be Wild is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 66 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.