Today’s quick review: Along Came Jones. Melody Jones (Gary Cooper), a traveling cowboy, wanders into the wrong town and gets mistaken for Monte Jarrad (Dan Duryea), a murderous outlaw who robbed a stagecoach nearby. Realizing that everyone in town either fears him or wants him dead, Melody agrees to use the confusion to help Cherry de Longpre (Loretta Young), the real Monte’s girlfriend, throw the posse off the injured outlaw’s trail.
Along Came Jones is a Western comedy about a case of mistaken identity. Gary Cooper stars as Melody Jones, a simple cowhand who happens to look like a fearsome criminal. The story follows Melody and his friend George (William Demarest) as they risk themselves to get Cherry out of trouble. Along Came Jones has a plot full of bluffs, betrayals, and romance. However, its strength stems from Melody’s good intentions and his relationship with Cherry.
Along Came Jones is not the most sophisticated comedy. Its plot has plenty of twists and turns, particularly as more people get involved in the hunt for Melody, but the core of it is fairly simple. The script is not especially sharp, and neither Melody nor George is a standout comedic figure. But for all that, the two have their charms. Slow to catch on but smarter than they look, they throw everyone’s plans off-kilter just by sticking around.
The movie also features a modest but rewarding romance between Melody and Cherry. Devoted to Monte but sick of his misdeeds, Cherry initially tries to use Melody as a patsy. But when it becomes clear that he intends to help her even though he knows the truth, she begins to second-guess herself. The combination of Melody’s bravery—backed up by no gunmanship whatsoever—and Cherry’s shifting motives makes for a fine love story.
Along Came Jones will appeal to fans of the classics. It is not an outstanding movie, but it tells an amusing story with a certain amount of charm. Audiences who enjoy old-fashioned heroes and classic cases of mistaken identity will enjoy Along Came Jones. Skip it if you’re looking for sharper comedy or real thrills.
For a similar case of mistaken identity with a bit more spirit, try Support Your Local Gunfighter. For a serious Western drama starring Gary Cooper, try Man of the West. For one with more intrigue, try Vera Cruz.
[6.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037508/). I give it the same for honest charm.