Crime de Traição

The premise to "Treason" is ridiculous. The story is set in the days following the end of the US Civil War. A group of rebels refuse to surrender and instead declare the 'Republic of South Kansas' and they continue raiding and robbing and destroying. While this actually did happen a few places (for example, Texas didn't surrender until three months after the war was over everywhere else), the film becomes ridiculous because the leader of these outlaws is a cute lady, Joan Randall (Shirley Grey)...a well-coiffed woman who looks more at place in a 1930s drama or romance than a B-western! Agent Jeff Connors (Buck Jones) is sent to apprehend Randall and put a stop to their nonsense....and find the list of folks who are backing this darling lady in her quest to restore the Confederacy.

The biggest problem is the whole lady in charge angle. Had the woman been tough, strong and mean, it might have worked. But having a lady who looks like a debutante made the story very hard to swallow. Apart from this, it's actually a decent film...not great but a decent time=passer.

Columbia's Buck Jones-starring "Treason" is a well-performed and appointed western from early 1933, conforming to the 60-minute or so time frame for B-westerns, but with the polish, care, and cast of a film a cut above. One can imagine it playing in support of a grade A adventure from the studio with a mid-level cast.

Featuring Shirley Grey in a strong role as a woman still violently fighting the confiscation of land by the winning side in the Civil War, the picture plays serious, if not grim, and does so with economical and seemingly rehearsed performances under the direction of George B. Seitz (who later would direct many Andy Hardy films). "Treason" also sports thoughtful editing and continuity. Furthermore, the film benefits from Shirley Grey's portrayal of the pivotal female lead character...she definitely looms as a higher than grade B actress.

Buck Jones looks rugged, lean, and handsome in his buckskins as a mountain man/scout assigned by Fort Franklin's General to bring Shirley to justice. And it seems she deserves it, too, as she is depicted as resolute and without remorse for her actions that can result in death and in the burning down of towns. She leads her mounts into towns as the local folks cower in fear. But she also has a softer side, as she rallies to the aid of women being used by her men and showing kindness to kids.

As usual in Buck's films, any humor or lighthearted moments are few, one coming clearly to mind being the door-slamming scene. Buck's acting is earnestly dramatic and highly effective; his scene in the dusty and so very rustic tavern, and then outside as he climbs his horse, is truly great and comes off perfectly. Additionally, one will notice several subtly unique moments in "Treason," including when Buck transfers pressure applied to a captured man's back from his gun to his finger.

In summary, "Treason" has an excellent story with suspense and plenty of action, played by a strong cast, and propelled by a caring and competent director. All fans of early sound westerns (read minimal annoying scoring) and fans of Buck Jones, of course, should really eat this one up!