Sturdy Grade B western fun starring Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Trigger, and the whole gang. Gravelly voiced Andy Devine is the comedy relief sheriff. ("Aw, Roy! You didn't have to do that!"). Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers sing as they ride along the trail. I mean, what else do you want in a western movie? Roy is a border investigator, and Dale is a visiting western novelist. An inscription on the mission bells of San Angelo carries the clue to a lost silver mine. A gang of smugglers committing murder and mayhem along the Mexican-U.S. border have their own dastardly plans for the mine's valuable silver-ore.
This movie is a cut above the typical Roy Rogers western musical revue. There are occasional musical numbers, but they are not obnoxiously intrusive. Hard-riding, two-fisted action is stressed instead. In fact, the movie was criticized in 1947 for being too violent. There is one scene, for example, that shows an outnumbered Roy getting beat to a non-bloody pulp. Now, when was the last time you recall RR losing a fistfight? This movie is good fun for those raised on a steady diet of TV and movie westerns filled with black-hearted villains and roaring six-guns. The movie has one sterling example of immortal dialogue. As Roy socks one of the bad guys, Dale urges him on with the classic line, " 'Atta boy, Roy!" Probably the most succinctly cogent summary one can give of this movie. Nostalgia buffs can nestle in and enjoy this one.
VHS Tape From private collection Plays fine Played by me
