Cavalier of the West

Just the words "Harry Carey" are usually enough for a movie to rate at least an 8, but this film has much more: Real Mexicans playing Mexicans.

And there is Kane Richmond in a less-than-admirable role.

And the excellent Ted Adams as a far-less-than-admirable character.

It's a story somewhat familiar, perhaps, but generally well presented, except for some unevenness in the story development.

Whether that's the fault of director John P. McCarthy or the fault of writer John P. McCarthy is hard to tell.

But the flaws are minor, finally, because of the cast and story and setting, a not too usual setting for the story of conflict and romance and greed and alcohol.

Perhaps more even than Harry Carey, the actor to watch here is George F. Hayes, who essays an Irish accent that is one of the best. It is subtle, not the stage blarney-shillelagh-whisky Irishman that is sometimes funny just not very realistic. (IMDb's spell checker tried to tell me "whisky" should be "whiskey," but, sorry, not in Ireland.)

Even later, when George F. Hayes became "Gabby" Hayes, he was still one of the very best B Western actors -- and that means movie actors -- we have been fortunate to watch.

And watch is the thing to do. I recommend "Cavalier of the West," for its scope, its cast, and its entertainment value. Its available at YouTube, compliments of that great friend of mankind, Westerns on the Web.

Harry Carey is an army captain whose wastrel kid brother, a lieutenant, is transferred to his post. They find themselves competing for the same beautiful Mexican girl when the brother gets mixed up in a murder involving a saloon girl. He also has trouble with a crooked cantina/gambling-house owner and a gang of rustlers.

Carey is an undeniable presence, and entirely believable as a grizzled cavalry captain, Kane Richmond is cast against type as the carousing, drunken brother, and Gabby Hayes--billed here as George Hayes--is terrific as an Irish-born sheriff. In addition, there are two absolutely stunning Mexican actresses, Carmen LaRoux and Christina Montt, playing the girl Carey and his brothers are in love with and the saloon girl, respectively, and both do first-rate jobs. Ted Adams, of course, does his usual fine job of villainy.

Where the film falters is in its presentation. The writing by director John P. McCarthy leaves a lot to be desired, and his direction is choppy and erratic. There is a dearth of action until near the end when there is a not-bad shootout between the cavalry and the rustler gang.

All things considered, I'd rate this independent (Weiss Bros.) "B" western just a bit below average, but Carey's presence, and the two beautiful Mexican women, made me give it an extra star. It's definitely worth a look.