The Pal from Texas

"The Pal from Texas" (1940) seems to me to have little going for it, done without much consideration for timing, camera angles, or set design. Nothing setting-wise, plot-wise, or scenery-wise could be considered eerie, spooky, mysterious, joyous, surprising, shocking, impressive, beautiful, stunning, breathtaking, and the list can go on. For me the bright spot was the music in the bar... the three songs sung in the bar were nicely sung, arranged, and choreographed. Notable for me was that no score was added for this one...most B-westerns by 1940 had music for chase scenes, if nowhere else (lack of music in these westerns I largely support and approve of). But the movie does have Bob Steele, which brings it up a notch or two. It is unfortunate, however, that Steele had to accept such a hurried-thru screenplay and stilted camera work at his then level of experience and stature in western film. I saw nothing innovative or interesting in this production, and the effort certainly wasn't worthy of remaking the earlier versions by Ken Maynard. The film's main value is for the Bob Steele fans who need this one to complete their viewing of all of Steele's leading-man westerns. Otherwise, there are other Bob Steele horse rides to watch out there.

It all starts when Steele's partner, Texas Malden (Josef Swickard) gets involved in a crooked poker game with Ace Brady (Ted Adams). Now you don't deal Ace a losing hand so his henchman Carleton Young has to settle the score. Claire Rochelle is hoodwinked by the villains and the tables are turned on our hero. Some good singing by Hal Carey and great tap dancing by a young boy who seemed to appear uncredited. Good to see Jack Perrin as the sheriff and American comedy actress Betty Mack.