Watching Buffalo Bill, Jr. (Jay Wilsey) in this film made me realize that, during some shots, he looks like a more tired version of young Robert Montgomery. Wilsey displays a rather pleasing, low voice, and looks less awkward than some of the other actors in this effort. Lovely Allene Ray is relegated to a role that does not demand much, although her donning of sunglasses as a "disguise" made me realize how much could be gotten away with in an early B minus western in regard to odd plot devices.
The opening scenes at the nightclub and the "sending away" of Wilsey's character were a bit different for such a cheap film. The hijacking of his car in the desert (which never re-appears), and the purloining of his and Ben Corbett's clothes lead to what is one of the most bizarre scenes in a western that I have ever seen, viz., two grown men walking around in their boxers, just their boxers! Just think about that, it certainly is unique!
Wilsey and Corbett (with clothing) manage to infiltrate the gang that is rustling Ray's stock, easily of course, all while pursued by Ray's ranch-boss Buddy Roosevelt. Watching Roosevelt's performance made me realize also what a blessing, in a way, it was that he did not land the role of the Cisco Kid in "In Old Arizona." I simply cannot imagine him having the talent for it. He belongs, sorry to say, in B minus land. When the chance comes for them to declare their innocence, they keep up their pose of going along with the gang, which is unexpected and yet more realistic. Eventually, they are found out, and effect the easiest escape ever--I never saw so many evil gang members just standing around while Wilsey and Corbett got out. Their is some brief riding, a resolution, and that's about it.
I've only seen a few of Wilsey's sixteen starring sound films, but they are, if awkward, sincere efforts given the decidedly low budgets. Perhaps this opinion will change as I see more, but this one is alright. I can only hope that some of the other starring films that he made earlier in 1930 will show up some day.
I might add that the opening credit music has the sweet sound of a popular song of the time--very soft and melodious.
The opening scenes at the nightclub and the "sending away" of Wilsey's character were a bit different for such a cheap film. The hijacking of his car in the desert (which never re-appears), and the purloining of his and Ben Corbett's clothes lead to what is one of the most bizarre scenes in a western that I have ever seen, viz., two grown men walking around in their boxers, just their boxers! Just think about that, it certainly is unique!
Wilsey and Corbett (with clothing) manage to infiltrate the gang that is rustling Ray's stock, easily of course, all while pursued by Ray's ranch-boss Buddy Roosevelt. Watching Roosevelt's performance made me realize also what a blessing, in a way, it was that he did not land the role of the Cisco Kid in "In Old Arizona." I simply cannot imagine him having the talent for it. He belongs, sorry to say, in B minus land. When the chance comes for them to declare their innocence, they keep up their pose of going along with the gang, which is unexpected and yet more realistic. Eventually, they are found out, and effect the easiest escape ever--I never saw so many evil gang members just standing around while Wilsey and Corbett got out. Their is some brief riding, a resolution, and that's about it.
I've only seen a few of Wilsey's sixteen starring sound films, but they are, if awkward, sincere efforts given the decidedly low budgets. Perhaps this opinion will change as I see more, but this one is alright. I can only hope that some of the other starring films that he made earlier in 1930 will show up some day.
I might add that the opening credit music has the sweet sound of a popular song of the time--very soft and melodious.
