Bottleneck welcomes Deputy Tom Destry Jr. (James Stewart), who arrives with a plan to clean up the town's undesirable characters – and he intends to do it without using any firearms. Adapted from Max Brand’s novel, *Destry Rides Again* managed to both poke fun at Western conventions and give Marlene Dietrich’s career a boost. The decision to cast her as Frenchy, the saloon singer, might have seemed strange initially, particularly since Paulette Goddard was first considered for the part. However, it works exceptionally well; Dietrich's boisterous and assertive portrayal contrasts nicely with Jimmy Stewart’s calm and gentle depiction of Destry. The role seems custom-made for Stewart; his relatable appeal is ideal for a character who begins as something of a pushover – he drinks milk and doesn’t carry a gun—but who else could so effectively portray someone who uses intelligence rather than physical strength? Of course, any film like this hinges on the quality of its antagonist, and thankfully Brian Donlevy delivers with an appropriately surly expression; it's a strong performance from an actor who deserves more recognition. Under the direction of seasoned filmmaker George Marshall, *Destry Rides Again* is packed with everything that elevates a good family movie to something even better: plenty of jokes, clear distinctions between heroes and villains, musical numbers, and well-crafted dramatic moments all come together to make this a truly enjoyable and satisfying film. Those interested in seeing strong female characters should definitely pay attention to the ending. Little Joe, Little Joe... 8/10

Source on TMDB