Watch King of the Sierras

King of the Sierras is a 1938 Western film starring the legendary Rex, one of the most famous canine actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The story is set in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California during the Gold Rush era of the mid-19th century. The plot revolves around a group of gold prospectors who discover a mother lode of precious ore deep in the wilderness. However, the treacherous terrain and the harsh weather conditions make it impossible for them to transport the heavy cargo to the nearest town. Desperate for help, they turn to the one creature who can traverse the mountain trails with ease: a magnificent St. Bernard dog named King.

King belongs to John Cardigan (Hobart Bosworth), an elder statesman of the community who has retired to his mountain cabin after a lifetime of adventure and achievement. Cardigan is initially reluctant to get involved, but his sense of duty and compassion ultimately lead him to join the prospectors in their quest.

As Cardigan and King guide the men through the perilous canyons and snowdrifts, they encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles, including hostile Native American tribes, greedy claim jumpers, and treacherous avalanches. Along the way, they also discover unexpected allies, including a plucky young boy (Harry Harvey Jr.) who befriends King and becomes a key member of the team.

Despite the dangers and difficulties, Cardigan and King remain steadfast and resolute, driven by a deep sense of loyalty and honor. Their courage and determination inspire the other characters to rise to the occasion and overcome their own limitations.

The film is notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the majesty of Rex's performance as King. The dog's natural agility and athleticism are on full display as he leaps over crevasses, scales steep cliffs, and braves the elements.

The human actors are also impressive, with Bosworth delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man who has experienced both triumph and tragedy in his life, and Harvey Jr. bringing a sense of youthful energy and enthusiasm to his role.

King of the Sierras is a classic example of the type of family-friendly adventure films that were popular during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Its themes of heroism, loyalty, and perseverance still resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless piece of cinema.

King of the Sierras is a 1938 western with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.