I saw both of these as a young man. What was important was the condition of the DVD and package when they were received, and they were in supurb condition.

The film staring Alan Ladd is the fifth, and the best, based on Spearman's novel of that name. His book was was the best-selling novel of 1906 and remained popular for many years. Holywood could not ignore a great story with such an engaging title and the 1st silent film was made in 1916. Spearman's original character was based on several railroad detectives and the nickname belonged to one...James L. Smith. Regretably, the real detective was nothing like Spearman's fictional character. His actual nature is recounted in my "Whispering Smith: His Life and Misadventures." Spearman's book and the film (DVD) continue
to be popular with viewers and readers although the story is now over one hundred years old.

Film Legend Alan Ladd (1913-1964) heads up a superior cast in this riveting heart-pounding tale of crime and punisment . Luke *Whispering* Smith (Ladd) is a by-the-book, no-nonsens railroad detective who learns his friend Murray Sinclair (Robert Preston 1918-1987) , has been fired from his rairoad job . Seeking vengeance , Sinclair begins help outlaw Barney Rebstock (Donald Crisp 1879-1974) wreck trains. Now Smith must find and bring his old friend to justice.. at any cost , in this suspensful adventure filled with pistol-packing action . High Quality Transfer . Recommended .

Great movie to see rail stock and rail operations in the old West. Great shot of crane cars. Shows under carraige and purpose of chains. Thanks to stop action the senes of rail operaation which go pretty fast you can stop and study how to model a train wreck and many other facets of ralroading. And Alan Ladd one of the good guys is all ways fun.

Railroad detective Luke "Whispering" Smith (Alan Ladd) rides out of the snow covered mountains into the valley below in search of the train robbing Barton brothers, he is ambushed by two of the brothers, losing his horse he sets out to nearest railroad and hitches a ride on the Nebraska & Pacific train, intending on making an unscheduled stop at Coyote Creek to telegraph the sheriff at Medicine Bend. But the Bartons brothers have beaten them to it and attack the train at the station. In the ensuing gunfight Leroy Barton (Ward Wood) and Gabby Barton (Bob Kortman) are killed, whilst the leader Blake Barton (Murvyn Vye) makes good his escape. Smith then collapses from a bullet wound he received during the shoot-out.

Fellow railroad worker Murray Sinclair (Robert Preston) takes Smith home to his ranch. His wife Marian (Brenda Marshall) having known Smith in earlier times nurses him back to health. As a result of a friendly visit by Bill Dansing (William Demarest) Smith learns that Blake Barton is being holed up in William's Canyon under the protection of no-good gang leader Barney Rebstock (Donald Crisp) and his henchman Whitey Du Sang (Frank Faylen). Smith accosts Rebstock and Whitey in Medicine Bend and has a final shootout with Blake Barton.

Sinclair falls out with newly appointed railroad boss George McCloud (John Eldredge) and throws his lot in with Rebstock, together they organise a series of raids on the railroad. Smith is recalled to Medicine Bend to investigate, he meets Marian on arriving in town then has a face-off in the saloon with Murray and Rebstock. Later following a hold-up at Tower "W" a guard is killed. The gang then high tail it for William's Canyon. Whispering Smith heads a railroad posse to round up the gang and bring them to justice one way or the other.

Directed at a fast pace by Leslie Fenton, based on the story by Frank H. Spearman and scripted by Frank R. Butler and Karl Lamb. Alan Ladd is first-rate in the title role the film has a fine opening sequence leading up to the ambush, parts of which look almost "Shane" like, indeed after "Shane" it's probably Ladd's best Western! The romantic interest is Brenda Marshall (Mrs. William Holden) who plays Marian Sinclair. The film is also the last pairing of Ladd with Preston Foster after having made several films together! Look out for Hank Worden (Mose Harper in "The Searchers") as Murray's ranch-hand.

Filmed sixty years ago at Paramount Studios and on location at Paramount Ranch, Agoura, and Sierra Railroad, Jamestown, California, USA. Beautiful scenery, Top quality color transfer to DVD no spots or scratches to be seen. (Would they were all like this) Highly Recommended.