Desert Passage

The only reason why I watched this tepid and forgettable western is that because it was directed by Lesley Selander - a western maker whose filmography has always interested me, I don't know why - and also because I have always been curious of RKO B westerns, I also don't now why: Republic Pictures, Monogram, PRC - all no majors companies - but RKO .... The film itself looks like thousands of others of this kind. It remains a good time waster which you will rapidly forget just after the viewing. And the short length helps to appreciate it, beecause it is not boring, with a good music and cute western atmosphere.

Newly released criminal John Carver retrieves his stolen loot. He hires unsuspecting stagecoach drivers Tim Holt and Chito Rafferty to take him to Mexico. He is hounded by two other criminals. Emily Bryce recognizes him and tries to warn others.

The first part is a bit murky until everything is revealed. I do like where the story gets to although Tim Holt and Chito do come off looking a bit dumb. They could have asked Emily, but they're too busy dismissing her for being a woman. This is the last of Tim Holt with RKO. These movies have been losing money. It is getting a bit old by this point, but it is a solid example of this type of B-western.

Compared to other Holt westerns I have seen, Desert Passage takes a back seat to action and the plot unravels slowly. At times, I was a little confused over what it's about but 20 minutes in it picks up some pace. Basically an ex-convict has returned to collect the stolen money he had embezzled and then hides it in a bridle. Other greedy characters want the money, while Tim Holt and Chico try to stop them. This western is competent with good characterisation and suspense but I found it a little meandering at times and lacking action. The stagecoach chase finale is excitingly filmed.

There are plenty of them in here, for fans of this, I think this is a good programmer. Lots of things occurring, people entering and exiting rooms, on horses, in carriages, amidst the desert obviously.

This was Tim Holt playing the boss of his own nitwit stagecoach line, along with Richard Martin playing Chito Rafferty for the last time – apparently this was his 33rd outing. By now Holt was even chunkier but still looked the part runnin' jumpin' an' shootin', and looked relevant to the plot of yet another competent b western movie. He was only about 33 years old at the time but retired from films after this – the end of the gravy trail.

About to sell his and Chito's business they save the life and continue to protect a mysterious sinister grey templed gent with plenty of money who has to get somewhere fast to get away from a mysterious duo out to crease him. The plots thicken and the film bristles with mysterious baddies after the guy's money, eventually you're wondering if everyone has nobbled everyone else at least once with this aim. Not a very large cast and a not very large plot still make this entertaining to watch, just don't expect too much from a b film and it'll nearly always deliver. In fact it's fascinating in places: when Carver is initially shot at and his lack of gratitude but the depth of his pockets; lawyer Bronson's enigmatic appearance at the roadhouse; the escape from the bedroom down yes a knotted bedsheet; many others.

Although the script only paid lip service to human nature and plot development it's still nice and relaxing with nothing in it to worry about, like taking an hour's holiday. The biggest puzzle to me is all those clean crisp banknotes were so manhandled how come there was any left to handle at all by the end, and with such vicissitudes as they had gone through Chito was no fool in wanting to spend his share as fast as possible.