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1943's "Silver Spurs" was an above average Roy Rogers vehicle, then at the peak of his fame, boasting a higher budget, more ambitious script, and better supporting cast than the usual Republic players. Making his debut for Herbert J. Yates was scene stealing character star John Carradine, clearly in his element as Lucky Miller, villainous proprietor of the Frontier Lodge, who schemes to obtain an oil well by orchestrating a wedding for his drunkard accomplice Jerry Johnson (Jerome Cowan) to a mail order bride (Phyllis Brooks), since Miller can only purchase the ranch property from a widow. Rogers is the ranch foreman, cleverly framed by Miller for the murder of Johnson right after the two had a falling out. Approximately 14-15 minutes are missing from its original 68 minute running time, mostly deleted songs, yet the actual wedding ceremony featuring Byron Foulger's Justice of the Peace is nowhere to be seen either. Roy's horse Trigger has a couple of impressive stunts, while sidekick Smiley Burnette once again trots out Frog Millhouse, a character he played nearly 50 times over 10 years. The dapper Carradine occasionally looks out of place, never seen wearing anything but a suit and tie (even atop a horse!), but his presence spices up the proceedings, making this one of the star's best remembered films.

Roy Rogers (as Roy), Smiley Burnette (as Frog), and the "Sons of the Pioneers" are forced to operate on the wrong side of the law after Rogers is accused of murdering his drunken boss Jerome Cowan (as Jerry). John Carradine (as Lucky) is the scheming villain, and Phyllis Brooks (as Mary) brings along some feminine charm.

The contrived story hits its height of incredulity when the Sheriff immediately believes Mr. Rogers has murdered the man he just pulled up from an over the cliff car crash. However, the film builds to an above average climax that is worth the wait. Trigger repeats his role of Rogers rope puller; but, Smiley performs a later trick Trigger could (and should) have pulled. Mr. Carradine lifts the performance levels considerably. The soundtrack includes one of the biggest Rogers/Nolan/Pioneers hits "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (from way back in 1934), but it's not the definitive version, and is interrupted by annoying dialog. The "full performance" song highlight is "Back in Your Own Backyard".

**** Silver Spurs (1943) Joseph Kane ~ Roy Rogers, Smiley Burnette, John Carradine

"Silver Spurs" is an enjoyable Roy Rogers vehicle which moves along at a brisk pace. I like the fact that it never settles on one genre -- is it a musical Western, or a suspenseful comedy? -- and that it boasts a cast that's a notch better than what you would expect from a low budget B picture. Roy gets to sing a few short-but-sweet numbers with The Sons of The Pioneers and the supporting players are a joy: Phyllis Brooks, John Carradine, Jerome Cowan, Joyce Compton (not playing a dumb blonde for once), and Western regular Smiley Burnette. I was also amazed at the stunts Trigger could do; he truly was "The Smartest Horse in the Movies"!

Music from Roy Rogers and Sons of Pioneers livened up the great action in Silver Spurs. It all starts with Roy demanding the rail road rights from Jerry Johnson but all he gets is a right hook. The stage is set for action and for mail order bride and news lady, the stunning Phyllis Brooks to work her magic. John Carradine played the villainous Lucky Miller to the hilt. The famous stuntman Yakima Canutt coordinated and performed some great stunts throughout. Ever ready, Smiley Burnette takes some brutal hits but somehow stays in the fight against Lucky. Roy said Trigger is a well trained horse and he more than proved it in this one. With one of the best henchmen ever Hal Taliaferro and great comedic timing from Joyce Compton, Silver Spurs is a Republic picture well worth watching.

Excellent Roy Rogers vehicle with a great, wily performance by John Carradine as an added bonus.

Good pacing and good direction (and yes, a few very good stunts) place this way above similar movies. Even the usually annoying side-kick role (with this one, it's Smiley Burnette as "Frog") isn't that bad at all.

Also, far less corny than some would first expect if you've seen others with similar plots from this time period.

There are a few very good action sequences, and some very funny lines if you're in the right mood.

The story mostly involves a "mail-order bride"; Mary the reporter going in to get a story about the "playboy" rancher and what is obviously a "phoney deal". Rogers is only trying to help his boss. However, the rancher is shot (admittedly, it was one unbelievably good shot through a car window from a fair distance) and Roy is conveniently framed when he shows up at the accident scene to check things out. Of course, you know that everything is bound to turn out for the best. There is also time for a couple good old songs.

10/10.