Nevada City

Get ready to duck because that opening sequence is a blaze of gunfire and hard riding. I suspect that's to compensate for a plot-heavy main part with little of those two cowboy staples. Then too, Roy and Gabby don't get much featured time. Instead, it's the scheming rivals of the plot-line who dominate by drifting in and out.

Nonetheless, the rivalry between stage-lines and railroads in the Old West remains a compelling storyline and something I'd never considered. After all, which is going to supply the westward movement. Will it be the flexibility of stage-lines that can deliver locally, or rail-lines that can deliver in bulk. Here the two rivals scheme around Nevada City to undo one another, while the criminal Black Bart schemes to take over both. So how will the many conflicts be settled.

Some good touches from budget-minded Republic, like the background passersby in period costume on town boardwalks, a nice realistic touch. Then too, Roy gets to show real stunt work (not a double) atop a moving train, while Gabby shows his usual grouchy humor. And shouldn't overlook the delightful Sally Payne as the cowgirl cutie; her unfortunately short career specialized in these oaters.

Anyhow, it's a good hour to catch up with, especially for its raising of a neglected phase in development of the old West. So let's all ride again with those cowboy heroes of yesteryear.