“THE MAN FROM DAKOTA”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 22 February 1941, Page 9

“THE MAN FROM DAKOTA”

A typically action-filled comedy heavy performance by Wallace Beery, a sparkling return to the screen by Dolores Del Rio and a stalwart and

convincing characterisation by leading man John Howard combine to provide thrilling entertainment in “The Man from Dakota.”

Picturisation of an historic novel by MacKinlay Kantor, the narrative gives Beery opportunity for all of his familiar and enjoyable antics as a Yankee prisoner of war who escapes the prison at Belle Isle, and with his young and idealistic superior officer, portrayed by Howard, set out to find a haven, preferably far out West, though Howard is determined to find the Union lines. As a Russian girl who also becomes a fugitive and must throw in her lot with Beery and Howard after she kills a Confederate officer, Miss Del Rio has a role which gives her fine and emotional possibilities which she more than lives up to.

The supporting cast is headed by a list of noted character actors, among them Donald Meek as the cringing and unscrupulous Vestry, seeking favour with both North and South; Robert Barrat as Parson Summers, who conducts the murder trial of the principals; John Wray as the father of the murdered family, Addison Richards, Frederick Burton and William Haade.