The Border Legion

In the 1950s, Roy Rogers' films were often trimmed in order to fit TV time slots. That's why so many of his movies are now about 53 minutes. In the case of "The Border Legion", while it has been trimmed, fortunately only five minutes is missing--far better than most of the Rogers films. Heck, one I just saw had 24 minutes trimmed by some idiot editor!

The film is a little unusual in that although Gabby Hayes is in this one, he isn't exactly Roy's sidekick and spends most of the film acting without Roy. Additionally, Roy is a wanted man when the film begins--a bit of an unusual situation! When the film begins, you learn that a young doctor (Rogers) is on the run from back East. What exactly he did or who he is covering for, the viewer has no idea. However, through some unusual circumstances, he's able to infiltrate the Border Legion--a group of criminals that have been plaguing the West. But, since the Doc is a good guy at heart, he agrees to help the Sheriff--provided the Sheriff trusts him to do a bit of undercover work. In addition to Roy and Gabby, Joe Sawyer plays a baddie and Maude Eburne plays the wonderfully crusty Hurricane Hattie. While the ending is just too perfect to be believed, it does move along well and is entertaining.

An Eastern doctor (Roy Rogers) is on the run from authorities in New York. Out west he comes to the aid of friends besieged by an outlaw gang known as the border legion. In the end, he is cleared of any wrong-doing back east.

Border Legion -also called West of the Badlands - is a pleasant western based on a Zane Grey story. Roy Rogers is unusually cast as an Eastern doctor- for an Easterner he sure shoots straight - who escapes to the West from a false criminal charge - the real culprit is his girlfriend's brother and he's shielding him for her and she doesn't know this - and gets involved in the Border Legion, a gang of robbers. Roy sings some songs, acts sincerely and gets involved in some action - there's an exciting Stagecoach chasing the border Legion sequence with a killer stunt work when the Stagecoach keels over and the passengers jump off. It's not the most striking western but a relaxing time pass. Maude Eburne as Hurricane, a saloon owner who doesn't like to drink, is a standout character and has some funny lines and gives sage advice.

Roy Rogers (as Dr. Steve Kells) is a wrongly accused fugitive from justice. On his way out west, he meets up with another fugitive, George "Gabby" Hayes (as "Honest" John Whittaker); together, they take up residence in an Idaho town. When Mr. Rogers' identity is discovered, he decides to infiltrate the local gang of terrorists known as "The Border Legion", and make amends...

The film opens with an amusing wheel barrel stunt introducing Mr. Hayes; though, how he emerged intact is a mystery! Hayes is given a comic love interest - Maude Eburne (as Hurricane). Hayes plays a role other than "Gabby", but listening carefully will reveal that doesn't always prevent Roy Rogers from calling him Gabby. Jay Novello (as Santos) steals the show as one of Joseph Sawyer (as Guilden)'s gang. You'll wonder why Rogers leaves Santos so close to a knife and horse at the end of one scene. Mr. Novello's Santos has a unusually close relationship with his boss; their final scene is interesting. Rogers' songs "With My Guitar and You" and "Get Along Little Doggies" are nicely inserted. None of the pluses are enough to life "The Border Legion" aka "West of the Badlands" from mediocrity, however.

*** The Border Legion (1940) Joseph Kane ~ Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Jay Novello

Doctor Roy Rogers shows up in Idaho territory, on the run from some crime in New York State. He's pursued by fiancee Carol Hughes, who's convinced he's innocent but covering for someone. She doesn't know it's her brother, and Rogers doesn't want her to know. He's promptly kidnapped by the Border Legion, bandits who infest the state, led by Joe Sawyer, who needs some medical care. Rogers convinces them he's on their side, and convinces the authorities he's helping them round up the bad guys. Meanwhile, Gabby Hayes shows up, with phony gold mine stock.

It's a lot of subplots to wrap up in 58 minutes with a couple of nice songs to boot, but it almost gets done, despite a bit of rushing at the end. Joseph Kane directs efficiently, DP Jack Marta favors high shots, and Republic spent some money on getting a good cast, including Maude Eburne, Jay Novello and Paul Porcasi, as well as the rights to a Zane Grey book to base it on.

Fugitive doctor Roy Rogers flees to Idaho after taking the rap for a robbery committed by his sweetheart's brother. Before long, he finds himself holed up with a group of bandits, treating the gang-leader's gunshot wound and has to decide whether to stay with the villains or risk being captured and sent back east.

A perfectly ordinary, though glib Roy Rogers vehicle, this isn't among his best, but it's alright. George "Gabby" Hayes easily steals the show as small-time conman "Honest" John Whittaker, who talks his way up from derelict to mayor in no time at all!

The musical highlight is when Roy joins the gang of outlaws for a spirited rendition of the cowboy classic "Get Along Little Doggies".