Yellowstone (film)

Yellowstone is a 1936 American action/adventure film directed by Arthur Lubin and starring Henry Hunter, Judith Barrett, Andy Devine, and Ralph Morgan. The film is a Universal Pictures production and is notable for being one of the first feature films to be shot on location in Yellowstone National Park.

The plot revolves around a love triangle set against the backdrop of a forest fire threatening the park. Ranger David Quinn (Hunter) is in love with Barbara Blair (Barrett), but she is engaged to powerful businessman and park concessionaire, Arnold Frey (Morgan). When a wildfire erupts, David, with the help of his friend and fellow ranger, Hank (Devine), must work to save the park and its inhabitants, all while dealing with the romantic complications.

The film is considered a B-movie, but its stunning location footage provides a glimpse into Yellowstone National Park during the 1930s. The wildfire sequences, though staged, offer a sense of the real dangers faced by park rangers and the natural environment. While not a critical darling, Yellowstone is a historical artifact showcasing early filmmaking techniques and the beauty of the American West.