Early on in the film, there's a moment when John Wayne, playing Breck, steps through a doorway—dressed in meticulously detailed suede clothing—and you’re tempted to give him a round of applause; it feels like the arrival of a significant performer. It seems clear that Raoul Walsh and those in charge at Fox were set on creating a major star out of Wayne, and they certainly spared no expense trying to do so. The plot follows pioneers embarking on a lengthy and hazardous journey westward from the Mississippi, venturing into uncharted territory. It represents the quintessential American adventure film—the travelers encounter dangers both from people and nature as they pursue their destination, and the production’s impressive scale is enhanced by stunning cinematography that effectively conveys just how difficult their undertaking was. Wayne possesses undeniable charisma; his smile provides a good indication of why Hollywood and audiences alike were captivated by this respectable, honorable young man. Marguerite Campbell, who plays Ruth, delivers a capable performance as his spirited romantic interest, and the remainder of this somewhat extended story is maintained by a relatively small group of actors who keep things engaging and on track. It’s certainly not free from idealism—the quintessential American hero overcomes obstacles, wins the girl, and makes friends along the way (mostly)—but there are also some more genuine elements; Breck struggles with alcohol at times! Occasionally it drifts close to feeling like a documentary, but that doesn't really detract from the story as a whole; instead, it emphasizes the vastness of this untamed land and helps us appreciate what motivated these people to endure all the hardships that this harsh environment could inflict. This is genuinely good cinema—and witnessing it on a large screen even now (90 years later) remains quite an impressive experience.

Source on TMDB