Black Stallion (aka King of the Sierras) (1938) | Directed by Samuel Diege & Arthur Rosson

Black Stallion, initially released as *King of the Sierras*, is an adventure western centered around a wild black stallion named El Diablo who becomes the object of obsession for several men seeking to tame or capture him. The story follows a young boy and his grandfather who attempt to protect the magnificent horse from those who would exploit it. Set against sweeping landscapes, the film emphasizes themes of freedom, loyalty, and the bond between humans and animals.

Genre: Western / Adventure

Director: Samuel Diege and Arthur Rosson

Samuel Diege was a relatively lesser-known director in Hollywood, often contributing to B-movies and supporting productions. Arthur Rosson, by contrast, had a more prominent career as an assistant and second-unit director, notably working on epics such as *Ben-Hur* (1959) and *The Ten Commandments* (1956). His directorial efforts in the 1930s included a number of westerns and action films. Together, Diege and Rosson crafted a modest but heartfelt film aimed at general audiences and family entertainment.

Star Cast:

* Rex the Wonder Horse as El Diablo
* Hobart Bosworth as John Winters
* Evelyn Venable as Joyce
* Harry Harvey as Ben
* Charles Sellon as Ezra
* Wally Albright as Tom Winters

The film received a mild response upon release, appreciated more for its scenic imagery and the novelty of its animal star than for its storytelling depth. It appealed mainly to younger audiences and animal lovers. Critics found the plot thin and predictable, but Rex the Wonder Horse was praised for his on-screen charisma and well-trained performance, which became a major selling point for the film.

Fun Facts:

* The real star of the movie was Rex, the Wonder Horse, a famous animal actor in the 1920s and 1930s who had appeared in multiple westerns and serials.
* The film was re-released under the title *Black Stallion* to capitalize on the ongoing popularity of horse stories and to avoid confusion with other titles.
* Much of the film was shot on location in the American West, offering scenic backdrops that added a visual appeal to the otherwise simple narrative.
* Evelyn Venable, who played the female lead, is best known as the voice of the Blue Fairy in Disney's *Pinocchio* (1940).
* The film was one of several attempts during the 1930s to create family-friendly westerns featuring animal heroes, a trend that enjoyed moderate success during the era.

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