Justice of the Range

I think most B-western followers consider Tim McCoy to be one of the really more pleasing heroes of the genre, either propelling an average story into a worthwhile program or leading the way in a well-conceived and well-executed film. And so I was shocked to see that 28 viewers have awarded "Justice of the Range" a meager 4.3 average rating. I thought I would take a look at the film again after not having seen it for decades. To my non-surprise I found the film to be wholly entertaining for the B-western it is. Who are all these people who downthumbed this nice little effort? It couldn't have been fans of the B-westerns genre I am sure!

Granted the continuity is a little ragged at times and leading lady Billie Seward is not quite ready for prime time, but other than that I have nothing negative to say about this movie. An epic it surely isn't, but the old West atmosphere is dusty and rustic, the characters are diverse and interesting to look at, fighting and gun play are done well, and the story plays out with logic and suspense. The opening scene in the saloon expertly sets the tone for all that follows and includes the always fascinating and marvelous George Hayes in a brief but key role.

I received a jolt when it occurred to me that the scene where McCoy interviews for a job and accepts sounded like it was nearly identical to the way TV detective Barnaby Jones often accepts a challenging work offer.

Yet one more reason the film is of value is the presence of Ward Bond, who always makes a film better. And lastly, look for Tom London, who, in a superbrief role, delivers the film's most comedic line.

So in conclusion, I urge B-western fans to happily expect an hour nicely spent with the regal Tim McCoy in Columbia's "Justice of the Range."