The Oregon Trail (1959)

A New York newspaper reporter (Fred MacMurray) is sent out West to confirm rumors that President James K. Polk (Addison Richards) is sending military agents disguised as settlers in the event of a war with British North America. Directed by Gene Fowler Jr. (I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE). Despite the presence of an A list star like Fred MacMurray in the lead as well as being filmed in CinemaScope and color by Deluxe, this is a low budget B western. Many of the exteriors are obvious painted backdrops and most outdoor scenes are clearly filmed on a soundstage as well as the use of previously filmed footage. All that aside, it wouldn't matter if it were a solid western but it's routine. Aside from Gloria Talbott as an Indian maiden, the performances are nondescript. Even western fans would have a hard time defending this one. With William Bishop, Nina Shipman, Henry Hull, John Carradine, Elizabeth Patterson and Tex Terry.