This is a somewhat typical Bob Steele western made for low budget PRC near the end of his career as a cowboy star. The plot is a recyclable one about a man framed for robbery. He is released on parole to lead the law to the missing money. This time around the sheriff arranges the release because he half-way believes Jim Brandon (Bob Steele) innocent so now he will have a chance to clear his name and find those guilty. Brandon utilizes a new scientific method called ballistics to uncover the real thieves. Since his alleged partner in crime supposedly committed suicide, murder is also suspected by Brandon. It seems the only true friend Brandon has with the possible exception of the sheriff is Utah McGirk (Syd Saylor) who has been working as a cook for those believed to be the real perpetrators to get money to keep the taxes paid on Brandon's ranch to keep them from taking over the place. Bill Rankin (Charles King) one of the leaders of the outlaws has to be talked into letting Utah go because of his connections with Brandon since Rankin contends "Good cooks are hard to find in these parts." When the other outlaws explain the importance of getting Brandon's ranch, Rankin reluctantly gives in, "I guess that is a little more important than having a good cook." Other gang leaders include Bud Osborne as Henry Carson. With baddies such as these Brandon has his fists full.
Bob Steele was noted as the finest pugilist in the B western. He was short and wiry but could take on successfully a room full of touch hombres and whip them single handedly. His fans get to see him in action more than once in "Thunder Town." No one could fight like Bob so don't miss it.
Syd Saylor made a good sidekick for Bob, but not necessarily a funny one. Bob was at times funnier than Saylor. When he and Utah (Saylor) are being held against their will some dude sings and yodels. Bob enjoins, "It's bad enough that we have to be tied up. Do we have to listen to that too?" Utah attempts a witticism, "I used to yodel till I swallowed my tobacco."
Bob sports a mustache in this outing. It doesn't help his appearance. Thankfully he abandoned the facial hair look. It was also poor timing. With Hitler defeated the public was leery of anyone with lip hair. Not cool for cowboys. I read that Bob grew the mustache for a picture he hoped to make for a Warner's film. Bob was also dressed in a drab funky outfit at the first of "Thunder Town." He dons his true duds later which greatly improves his visage.
Pretty Ellen Hall is around to add romance as Betty Morgan who inherits a ranch that borders Brandon's when she comes of age. Her guardian happens to be none other than Bill Rankin who is virtually holding her hostage and trying to force her to marry his brother, a tall ornery galoot named Dunc, the name alone indicates bad news. Thus the bad guys will have her ranch too. So a subplot has Bob rescuing a damsel in distress.
All in all this shoot-'em-up should be pleasing to Bob's fans and a good introduction for those wanting to see him in action.
Bob Steele was noted as the finest pugilist in the B western. He was short and wiry but could take on successfully a room full of touch hombres and whip them single handedly. His fans get to see him in action more than once in "Thunder Town." No one could fight like Bob so don't miss it.
Syd Saylor made a good sidekick for Bob, but not necessarily a funny one. Bob was at times funnier than Saylor. When he and Utah (Saylor) are being held against their will some dude sings and yodels. Bob enjoins, "It's bad enough that we have to be tied up. Do we have to listen to that too?" Utah attempts a witticism, "I used to yodel till I swallowed my tobacco."
Bob sports a mustache in this outing. It doesn't help his appearance. Thankfully he abandoned the facial hair look. It was also poor timing. With Hitler defeated the public was leery of anyone with lip hair. Not cool for cowboys. I read that Bob grew the mustache for a picture he hoped to make for a Warner's film. Bob was also dressed in a drab funky outfit at the first of "Thunder Town." He dons his true duds later which greatly improves his visage.
Pretty Ellen Hall is around to add romance as Betty Morgan who inherits a ranch that borders Brandon's when she comes of age. Her guardian happens to be none other than Bill Rankin who is virtually holding her hostage and trying to force her to marry his brother, a tall ornery galoot named Dunc, the name alone indicates bad news. Thus the bad guys will have her ranch too. So a subplot has Bob rescuing a damsel in distress.
All in all this shoot-'em-up should be pleasing to Bob's fans and a good introduction for those wanting to see him in action.