RKO certainly didn't stint on hiring extras for this horse opera. More crowds emerge here than many A-productions, and the guys do look like roughnecks. It's a better-than-average oater, with towns and countryside not seen in a hundred other matinée westerns. Also, the plot has topical relevance since the baddies use subterfuge to destroy the forest ecosystem for sneaky profit. On the other hand, Scott (O'Brien) and the cowboys want to keep the forest so their cattle have grass to graze.
I really like Robert Fiske as gunslinger Matt. His hard-eyed stare and deadpan demeanor are striking to see and bespeak a lifetime of casual cruelty. Chill Wills too does well with comedy relief without being silly, some of his tall tales being a real hoot. Then too O'Brien gets to sport some of the biggest Stetsons on record, at the same time, he's pushing a bit on the waistline, but then he is a middle-aged 40. It hasn't slowed him down, however.
All in all, it's a colorful and well-produced programmer with a good positive message.
I really like Robert Fiske as gunslinger Matt. His hard-eyed stare and deadpan demeanor are striking to see and bespeak a lifetime of casual cruelty. Chill Wills too does well with comedy relief without being silly, some of his tall tales being a real hoot. Then too O'Brien gets to sport some of the biggest Stetsons on record, at the same time, he's pushing a bit on the waistline, but then he is a middle-aged 40. It hasn't slowed him down, however.
All in all, it's a colorful and well-produced programmer with a good positive message.