Die schwarze Bande

Efficient Sheriff Caleb Wells is fired by the short-sighted town council, thus clearing the way for a group of hoodlums to vandalize the peaceful and defenseless town.

Hell Canyon Outlaws starts with a focus on the four gang members led by Brian Keith in the rain before the song comes over the credit. It's a typical Frankie Laine type of number which sets the scene. Originally titled Tall Trouble, or maybe it should've been call Trouble comes in four as the gang do just that- they cause havoc, but it only leads to murder at the end, prompting Dale Robertson, in a very good role as a sheriff who has been fired by the middling town council who think he isn't needed anymore as it's a peaceful town, to face the gang in a darkened saloon. It's tense shootout.

Brian Keith as the leader of the gang who acts like like grown up adolescents adds meat to his role. He's more controlled than the others but just as dangerous. The villainy here is earthly and mean rather than a pencil-twirling variety. There's plenty of going in this compact tough b-western and it makes for a good viewing. Shame it's so underrated. Similar type of western is the Plunderers with Jeff Chandler but the gang there are teens.

This excellent little B western was released in Britain under the title of The Tall Trouble starring Dale (Wells Fargo) Robertson. As the sheriff's name is Wells then you might see the connection. Three of the outlaws are sure huge. Buddy Baer was an ex-boxer who fought the great Joe Louis twice. Just to say the plot is predictable but very likeable with all the chapters - good and bad - showing charisma. Great to catch sometime.

That's the second time I watch this little gem since twenty five years now. Actually, I discovered it again. I did not remember it at all. A pure delight. I love this kind of topic, a small town outraged, terrorized by a bunch, a handful of outlaws before whom any one can resist. Except only one man. OK, we all have seen that a billion times before, but this one is totally forgotten. I only think of Joseph Pevney's THE PLUNDERERS, starring Jeff Chandler. Here, Dale Robertson has the Chandler's character. The hero who reveals himself only in the end against the evil ones. Four outlaws in both features. And also camera unusual angles for this kind of production, in the Jo H Lewis manner.

An exciting little western.

Brian Keith is outstanding as the evil lead.

A great old western, in the tradition of the cliffhanging serials of the 1930s and 1940s. A nice addition to any western film buff's library. TV stars Brian Keith and Dale Robertson provide realistic portrayals, showcasing their abilities that provide some relief from the occasionally predictable plot.