Is High, Wide and Handsome Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1937)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of High, Wide and Handsome (1937), audiences are invited back into the world of Music, Western. 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. "The setting is a small town in 1870s Pennsylvania. Sally Waterson and her father have stopped in town with their traveling medicine show, but when their wagon catches fire, they find themselves stranded. They're taken in by Mrs. Cortlandt and her grandson, Peter, who is trying to set up a pipeline that will supply oil throughout the state. Sally and Peter soon fall in love and marry. Neither their marriage nor Peter's pipe dreams flow too smoothly."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Irene Dunne does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is High, Wide and Handsome worth your time? If you appreciate Music, Western films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, High, Wide and Handsome is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 104 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.