Outlaws' Paradise

Of all the old B-western heroes, Tim McCoy is among my favorites. Part of this is because in real life he was a bit of a hero--having been a Lt. Colonel in WWI, a Colonel by the end of WWII and was a champion trick shooter in real life. I guess I also like him because he wasn't the pretty- boy cowboy. However, I think the biggest reason is that he COULD act...especially in his 'Lightning' Bill Carson films. In several, he pretended to be a Mexican bandit--and it was a lot of fun seeing McCoy ham it up! So, when I discovered yet another Carson film I was thrilled....so it's a shame it was so ordinary. First, McCoy does NOT play the Mexican once again. Second, the film has a few clichés and poorly written parts that are sure to disappoint.

The film begins with a tough criminal about to leave prison and rejoin his old gang. However, Federal agent Bill Carson has a plan--to impersonate the guy and infiltrate the mob. How can he possibly do that? Well, he and the crook are physical doubles! What a silly cliché!!!! But, I must admit it was fun to watch McCoy playing both roles--and seeing him talk like a 1930s gangster was a hoot! Unfortunately, I knew EXACTLY what would eventually happen--and it did!!! This made the film extremely anticlimactic and the big twist came as absolutely no surprise whatsoever. Worth seeing but certainly among the least in the Carson series.

Tim McCoy showcases his great acting chops as Captain William Carson and posing as Trigger Mallory. Lightning Carson takes a big risk posing as Trigger with his gang and girlfriend. Some of the outlaws are getting an itchy trigger finger when they realize something just ain't right about about their old leader. Many great western actors here including Ted Adams and Bob Terry. Ben Corbett has a great scene in a loaded dice game. Dave O'Brien later became a comedy writer for Red Skelton Show. I love the western's favorite leading lady in this one, Joan Barclay.