Song of the Trail

To me, the oater's centerpiece is Maynard acting like a circus acrobat on the back of his horse Rocky. That comes early on, but his athletic moves continue throughout and are impressive as heck making me feel like a garden slug. Otherwise, the flick's a fairly standard kids matinee. Bad guy Arnold schemes to win a mining deed from gambling addict Hobson (Hayes) in a crooked poker game. Hero Carter (Maynard) battles Arnold's gang in an effort to get the deed back to needy Hobson. He's helped by sidekick (Knight) and Hobson's daughter (Leeds).

There's mostly hard riding around scrublands of greater LA, along with some fast shooting and flying fists-- standard stuff for matinee programs. However, silent screen actress Brent really registers as tough saloon girl Myra, who's abuse by Arnold is reflected in her sensitive inner moments. Also, catch Gabby Hayes in a straight role, again showing his versatility as a lot more than a comedic old grouch.

Anyway, it's a decent programmer with some novel camera shots and boisterous saloon crowds that add good marginal touches. So if you're an old front-row kid like me, don't miss it.