Review of Destry Rides Again (1939) by Kate J — 10 Jul 2011

A film which is absolutely, flawlessly wonderful for the first 80 or so minutes of its 94 minute runtime. It was irreverently charming, ridiculously endearing, silly, funny (make that HILARIOUS), with a loveable band of heroes, winning townspeople and good loathsome villains. The whole thing doesn't take itself the least bit seriously and I was absolutely ready to make a spot for it in my favourite films of all time. Then, the last ten minutes happen and its like someone mixed up the script with an entirely different movie. The tone changes like a flipped switch, the direction becomes muddy, and our characters get treated like dirt.

I can't think of a better film with a worse ending. It's just heartbreaking on the back of such a good time. The star off is for the last ten minutes alone, the rest of this is an absolute must see. Especially for fans of Blazing Saddles.