7/10
Chaney steals the show, but it is a sad role for the former leading man
15 July 2008
The fight scene between Gary Cooper and Lon Chaney Junior has a sad conclusion. It is supposed to be funny, given the musical score, but climax is a sad reflection of Lon Chaney Junior's career.

Seven years before "Springfield Rifle," Chaney Jr. was a leading man for Universal studios. In this film, he is a bumbling villain who gets beat up by Gary Cooper's hero. Chaney's Pete Elm garners more sympathy as a tragic hero when the last shot of "Springfield Rifle" is fired.

"Springfield Rifle" is a grand movie with an involving story. After his Oscar win earlier in the year (costarring Chaney Jr. again), "Springfield Rifle" is a worthy follow up.
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