Im Schatten der Schlinge

This is a solid B Western starring a surprisingly good performance from ex-Flash Gordon, ex-Tarzan, ex-Billy the Kid, Buster Crabbe, who doesn't just walk through the role of a gunfighter (like he did in most of the Billy the Kid B westerns he made in the 40's).In a fast-moving 70 minutes, you get a gunfighter, a preacher, and corrupt white guys trying to start an Indian war for profit, and it all works pretty well, thanks to a tight (if occasionally corny) script and solid if workmanlike direction from B Western veteran director Joseph Kane.

Nice performances by everyone involved too, especially John Smith as the preacher and Ted Corsia as the corrupt Indian Agent.

But the winning performance here is by character actor Tom Doucette, playing a slimy gunman with the fitting name of Pig.

With the likes of Buster Crabbe, Anthony Caruso and Ted De Corsia, the film could not be lousy. It is a true western, an element not that obvious, regarding of the several false westerns that Republic pictures offered us during the late forties and early fifties, mostly taking place in San Francisco cabarets and music hall, full of costumes and dancers, burlesque and romances. This one is gritty enough to belong to the best of Joseph Kane's westerns; he who was the most prolific western provider of the studio. So,, if you are a western buff, don't despise this one, it doesn't deserve it. Have a good watch.

Came across this serviceable Western on, where else, but Grit. One of those B movies that's easy on the eye, simple enough to follow for the viewer. What a name on the 2nd lead, Buster Cranbee, by the by. Moves rapidly along, and glad I fell into it. A nice comfort film on a lazy Sunday morning.

Actors seemed to do well enough, and plot was par for the course. What impressed me were the Native actors, who seemed pretty authentic by and large.

Plenty of action, and a 90 minute run time that moved along rapidly.

The fellow playing the preacher (John Smith) seemed believable in hos role as well. Can't believe I'm only the 2nd reviewer!