Fighting Shadows

In the 1930s and into the 40s, films about the Canadian Mounties were very popular in Canada as well as the USA. In many ways, they were like more modern westerns set in a slightly different locale. So, it's not at all surprising that cowboy actor Tim McCoy would also try his hand at a Mountie flick. And, instead of horseback riders giong through the desert, this one includes folks trekking through the snowy Canadian wilderness (actually, it was filmed at Big Bear Lake near Los Angeles...which looked pretty realistic).

The local trappers are having problems. They are being attacked and forced to sell their furs to a guy named Stalkey instead of to the normal trading company. Tim assumes that his old rival, Harrison (Ward Bond) is somehow involved. Is he? And, is there any chance the man he hates is actually innocent?

This is a pretty decent change of pace for Tim McCoy. The story is a bit confusing but decent and kept my interest throughout. Worth your time.

"Fighting Shadows" is a suspenseful B-western from early in 1935 and is nicely photographed in black and white, shows care in its direction, acting, and dialog, and has the benefit of using a snow-covered coniferous forest (supposedly Canada) and log buildings in a rustic village as the location for the action. And for those who like variety from the norm in B-westerns, the action here doesn't include group gunfights, relentless horseback chases over dust-covered desert trails, nor a damsel in distress grieving over her recently shot father.

It gets a bit of getting used-to, not having McCoy sporting his ten-gallon hat and flowing scarf, but he looks proud and commanding in his Royal Canadian Mountie uniform. But it is the supporting cast, particularly big bully Ward Bond, the shaggy codger Si Jenks, and craggy Otto Hoffman, who carry the best roles.

The dialog is cogent and delivered naturally by the cast, who appear to have been rehearsed and prepared for the shoot. The opening tense manhunt over snow-covered forest is really filmed well, with long- and short-range camera work composed thoughtfully and edited with precision and care.

All around, "Fighting Shadows" is an excellent and fun Tim McCoy western. The only concern is with the ending, as it seems a little slapped-together and a tad fanciful, but others may disagree. And that is part of the fun of all this, right?