The Virginian
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Victor Fleming
Gary Cooper
Walter Huston
Richard Arlen
Mary Brian
Chester Conklin
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
The Virginian, foreman of the Box H Ranch, near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, meets Steve, an old friend, and gives him a job; and they both encounter Molly Wood, the new schoolteacher just arrived from Vermont. In a saloon the Virginian and Trampas quarrel over a dancer, but the foreman forces him down. At a christening party the foreman and Steve play a prank--for which Steve is blamed--on some sleeping babies, leaving the Virginian free to walk Molly home. Soon their friendship grows into love, but Molly declines marriage. Steve joins up with Trampas and his gang of rustlers; and when he is captured by a posse, the Virginian is forced to supervise his hanging, causing Molly to spurn the Virginian. When he is wounded, however, she nurses him, and they plan to marry. Trampas orders him to leave town, and though the girl resists, the Virginian shoots Trampas in a duel.
Director
Victor Fleming
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
"If you want to call me that, smile."- The Virginian
Trivia
The original play by Owen Wister and Kirk La Shelle opened in New York on 5 January 1904.
As in the novel and the play that the movie is based on, the Virginian's name is never mentioned.
Notes
For information on other adaptations of the Owen Wister story, please consult the entry for the 1914 Paramount release, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Dustin Farnum (see AFI Catalog of Feature Films, 1911-20).