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What is the Meaning of Jack Bull in the Western Film?

By Maria Schulz

What do you get when you mix a Jack Russell Terrier with a Bulldog? A Jack Bull of course.

If it was only that simple.

The Jack Bull is the title of an action-packed Western starring John Cusack. He plays an idealistic horse trader named Myrl Redding who moves with his wife Cora, and their son, Cash, to the Wyoming Territory in 1889. The territory is right on the verge of statehood, which Myrl supports. He fiercely believes in his right to live freely and expects justice to be served if any of his rights have been violated.

One day, Redding discovers that his neighbor, Henry Ballard, has placed a $10 toll on anyone who wishes to cross his road—and it’s the only way Redding can get his horses to market. After he complains, Ballard tells him to leave behind his two black stallions as collateral. Redding agrees, but insists on leaving Billy, his Native American ranch hand, behind to watch over the horses to make sure they aren’t mistreated.

When Myrl returns to Ballard’s land, he finds his two horses beaten, emaciated and nearly worked to death. Billy was also beaten.

Seeking justice, Myrl demands that Ballard pay him to nurse his horses back to health and give him money to help Billy recuperate. Ballard flatly refuses and Myrl vows that he will not rest until justice is served.

But Myrl soon discovers that fairness under the law is impossible because Ballard and the judge on the case are best friends. Myrl won’t stop until he gets restitution, and when tragedy strikes, he is determined to fight no matter the cost.

Ballard never expected what he considered a two-bit horse trader to come after him. What he didn’t count on was that Myrl Redding was determined, ferocious and tenacious, like a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Bulldog. Once he gets hold of something, he just can’t let go.

Myrl Redding is The Jack Bull.

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