The Paleface

The Paleface

Year: 1948

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Director: Norman Z. McLeod

ComedyWestern

Bob Hope headlines a raucously funny western spoof as the timid frontier dentist “Painless” Peter Potter, while Jane Russell plays a sultry version of Calamity Jane. When danger looms, Potter is forced to trade his drill for a gun, teaming with the daring Calamity to battle outlaws and Indians in a series of slap‑stick comedic set pieces.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Paleface (1948)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Paleface (1948). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th century

The narrative sits in the American frontier era, marked by gunrunning, federal agents, and frontier diplomacy. Wagon trains, sheriffs, and regional governors frame the political and criminal landscape. The period mood blends Western adventure with evolving federal oversight of outposts on the edge of settlement.

Location

Buffalo Flats, Port Deerfield, Indian Territory

The story unfolds across rugged frontier settlements around Buffalo Flats and Port Deerfield, with movement between wagon trains and rugged outposts. The action touches the Indian Territory, where tensions between settlers, traders, and Indigenous groups shape the plot. The setting emphasizes a harsh, law-and-order milieu typical of the late 19th-century American West.

🗺️ Western frontier 🧭 Frontier towns 📜 Outlaws and lawmen

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:36

Main Characters – The Paleface (1948)

Meet the key characters of The Paleface (1948), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Calamity Jane (Jane Russell)

A fearless gunfighter who uses wit, disguise, and quick thinking to uncover the gun-running plot. She navigates danger with confidence and a growing personal connection with Potter, which adds depth to her otherwise audacious persona.

🎯 Western heroine 🕶️ Undercover operative

Peter 'Painless' Potter (Bob Hope)

A traveling dentist whose blunders fuel comic moments, yet he proves to be a loyal ally. His marriage to Jane becomes a strategic ruse that gradually reveals a genuine partnership and bravery under pressure.

🧰 Comic sidekick 💥 Reluctant hero

Jasper Martin (Lance) (Jackie Searl)

The mastermind behind the gun-smuggling scheme, orchestrating operations from behind the scenes. He proves to be wily and unscrupulous, driving the central conflict with opportunistic scheming.

🧭 Villain 🗝️ Conspirator

Hank Billings (Clem Bevans)

Jane’s ground contact who works to uncover the delivery details. His death triggers a turning point in the investigation and raises the stakes for Jane and Potter.

🕵️‍♂️ Informant 🛡️ Frontier operative

Big Joe (Jeff York)

A volatile gunslinger who clashes with Potter and fuels tension within the wagon train. He represents the rowdy, dangerous side of frontier justice.

⚔️ Antagonist 🧨 Showdown catalyst

Gov. Johnson (Charles Trowbridge)

The governor who enlists Jane’s help to disrupt the gun-running operation and secure a pardon for her past crimes. His role frames the political maneuvering behind the undercover mission.

🏛️ Political authority 📜 Legal gambit

Commissioner Emerson (Stanley Andrews)

An official who commissions the undercover mission, driving the plot forward with his emphasis on rooting out illicit activity.

🏛️ Authority figure ⚖️ Law enforcement

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:36

Major Themes – The Paleface (1948)

Explore the central themes of The Paleface (1948), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️ Undercover Work

Calamity Jane is recruited to pose as a married couple to infiltrate the gun-smuggling operation. The plot leans on deception, disguise, and strategic misdirection as the protagonists gather evidence. The undercover angle drives suspense, humor, and character dynamics, especially between Jane and Potter.

🏜️ Frontier Justice

The film pits federal agents against smugglers amid a dangerous frontier landscape. Gunrunning, dynamite, and ambushes create constant risk, while the law attempts to intervene from a distance. The setting amplifies themes of order, survival, and the rough morality of the era.

❤️ Romantic Bond

Jane’s growing feelings for Potter complicate the mission, turning professional cover into partnership and affection. Their evolving alliance adds warmth and humor while enhancing their resolve against the criminals. The relationship culminates in a celebratory, albeit comic, conclusion reflecting mutual trust.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:36

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Accidental Hero Movies like The Paleface

Timid characters thrust into dangerous situations where they must fake bravery.Discover more movies like The Paleface where unlikely cowards become accidental heroes. If you enjoyed Bob Hope's bumbling dentist, you'll love these comedies featuring timid characters who fake bravery, leading to hilarious mishaps and triumphant chaos on the frontier and beyond.

comicalslapstickmischievousopportunisticlightheartedadventurousplayful

Narrative Summary

This thread follows a narrative arc where a character of low courage or skill is forced into a role of heroism, often through a case of mistaken identity. The plot revolves around their frantic attempts to maintain the charade while surviving the very real dangers they are ill-equipped to handle, leading to a comedy of errors.

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Movies are grouped here based on the central comedic premise of the 'fake hero.' They share a light tone, fast pacing driven by slapstick set pieces, and a focus on the humorous gap between a character's perceived bravery and their actual panic.

Comedic Westerns Similar to The Paleface

Action-packed westerns that playfully parody the genre's tropes with humor.Explore more funny westerns and spoofs like The Paleface. If you liked the combination of frontier adventure and Bob Hope's slapstick humor, this collection features similar movies that playfully parody western tropes with lighthearted action and comedic partnerships.

satiricaladventurousplayfulcomicallightheartedfrontieraction-comedy

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow traditional western plots but subvert expectations at every turn with humor. The heroic journey is filled with comedic misadventures, the romance is quirky, and the action is undercut with punchlines, all while lovingly mocking the conventions of the genre.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared goal of comically deconstructing the western genre. They blend authentic western aesthetics with a consistently light tone, fast pacing, and a focus on parodying classic tropes like the lone gunslinger or the stoic hero.

Unlock the Full Story of The Paleface

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Paleface in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Paleface is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Paleface Summary

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The Paleface Summary

The Paleface Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Paleface with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Paleface Timeline

The Paleface Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Paleface Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Paleface

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