i never expect such an old film to be as impressive a this 1930 western turn out to be . the scene of the pioneer head west in their covered wagon and encounter storm and mud and river crossing and indian attack and every manner of trial and danger and be astonish in their rugged believability . much of the film be shoot outdoors and and the movie have a truly epic feel about it . the actor must have experience much the same condition a the original pioneer do and and the result be astound . the wagon and the clothing and every single detail look and feel right . the character be simple but believable and with a straightforward story and that travel like the wagon train to it destination . john wayne be slim and youthful in one of his first role and a the scout lead the wagon and and he do a fine job a the idealistic young frontiersman . he up against a marvelously scurvy trio of villain and include ian keith a a slick gambler and charles stevens a a mexican sidekick and tyrone power and senior and a the growly and bear like trapper . power beard and snarl and large than life portrayal be both comic and menace . i keep picture him with a bandanna and gold hoop earring and black eye patch and with a parrot on his shoulder and a he grunt and growl various threat and insult . his character could easily be transfer to a pirate ship with no difficulty at all . he nearly steal the whole picture . tully marshall be delightful a a wily old frontiersman who be wayne best friend . the lovely marguerite churchill make a spirited heroine and whose initial meeting with wayne be a hilarious mix up and result in a long running courtship consist of insult and feign indifference on her part and to aw shuck persistence on his . the result be quite humorous and one be glad to see them finally get together at the end . the scenery be amazing and with the wagon cross real prairie and have to be lower by rope down cliff . indian who be clearly the genuine article and and not white actor in makeup and appear a both friend and foe and and be treat with dignity . wayne character tell an admire group of young boy that the indian be his friend and who teach him everything he know about survival in the wilderness . the big trail be an uncomplicated tale tell well by a talented cast and crew . it will probably appear naive to many modern viewer and but there be a quiet dignity about it that never let it become corny . there be a great deal of intentional humor and include a rowdy rascal of a pioneer and who make loud animal sound from hiding and every time the smooth gambler ian keith try to con the beautiful heroine into marry him . his flowery speech about the plantation he allegedly own be interrupt by very realistic imitation of yowl cat and quack duck and cause the would be seducer to look around in annoyance for the unseen creature . highly recommended and both for western fan and lover of old movie in general . this be truly a classic film for the age .