Darin
One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
JohnHowardReid
Director: CLIFF SMITH. Photography: Ross Fisher. Film editor: Murray Seldeen. Production supervisor: Gene Marcus. Producer: William Pizor.Not copyrighted 1930 by Principal Attractions. U.S. release in 1932.SYNOPSIS: Escaping from the sheriff, a fugitive joins a gang of confidence men in another county.COMMENT: Considering both its age and its obscurity, this little "B" is surprisingly entertaining. Not only does the clever plot present enough action and excitement to please the fans, leading up to a well-staged climactic horse race, but it introduces many novel touches, including a charming heroine who plays the piano badly, and an everybody's white-haired uncle type who actually turns out to be a ruthless bunco artist. This character is played with considerable flair by our old friend, Lafe McKee. In fact, all the acting is darn good, including even Jay Wilsey as the reluctant hero (he's a personable cowpoke and seems to be doing all his own stunting), plus even Bobby Nelson as the far-from-obnoxious boy worshiper. Technical credits are neat enough, whilst production values rate surprisingly high. True, some of the action spots - the chase after the buckboard and the fist-fights - are a little rough and untidy, but that really is old Lafe mixing in there with the punches! Yes, this Texan is one agreeable little movie that fully justifies its rescue.
