Texas Gun Fighter

Ken Maynard makes his hesitant move from the bad side to the good side of the law in this superior B Western.

Maynard and sidekick Lloyd Ingraham -- whose long movie career had already included being a director for D.W. Griffith in the Teens -- are clearly good actors. Leading lady Sheila Bromley is not so good as she might be. Director Phil Rosen, who started as a cinematographer in the silent era and would keep his head down directing B pictures for most of the sound era, directs well, but he always remained a visual director and some of supporting cast are pretty poor in their line readings. However, the sturdy plot of the Good Bad Man, introduced and honed over the decades and Maynard's fine screen presence make this one worth watching.

This is an excellent B-western film! Sure, Ken Maynard was a bit stilted at times as an actor, but he had such an honest and authentic countenance and it shines through well in this portrayal of an outlaw looking for a turnaround. The venerable Lloyd Ingraham was memorable in his meaty role here as Banty, Ken's old-timer sidekick who is not wholly convinced to change his ways. Tarzan also doesn't disappoint, moving deftly through several important scenes. Wait to you see his hat trick! The story is sharp and relatively complex with some unusual turns along the way, including some heroic moments from Ken, making it a truly satisfying yarn. The sets are outstanding, including the bad guys' hideout complex, which is nestled precariously on uneven grounds amidst the Vasquez Rocks of southern California. The small, rustic buildings of the dusty little town look perfectly gritty. Even the interiors were paid great attention, including the sheriff's office with all sorts of appropriate clutter. It was all just great! Please enjoy this fine B-western.