lstallings

Regardless of the title, this is a tight, fast-moving Western. How many Westerns do you see with Potash as the prized mineral everybody wants, a heroine who can actually act (Harlene Wood), two of the best bad-guys in the business (John Merton and Dick Curtis) and reverse psychology as a major plot point? This film has all of that plus the stoic Kermit Maynard as the hero, Jack Ingram as a funny but intelligent sidekick, and plenty of chases and other action scenes. Recommended for fans of the genre.

What a pleasant little movie this is, and I mean that in the best possible way. This older man, younger woman romance moves swiftly, has gorgeous sets and attractive costumes. I now see why George Brent was one of the more popular stars of his day. He has the unusual ability to be stoic and sensitive at the same time. You can feel his uneasiness and his pain as he realizes he is falling in love a woman he should not be. Jean Muir, as the object of his affection, is cute, perky, and marvelous. Verree Teasdale is cast perfectly as the mother.

Okay, going into this film, I knew it had a reputation as one of the worst films of all time. But I like good, ole cheesy monster movies. In fact, if it had a first run presentation in the 1970's, I'm very surprised I missed it then. Anyway, I finally caught up with it. And, guess what? It IS one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Usually, something stands out: effective acting, great miniatures or special effects, nifty dialogue, music, scenery, or just a general feeling of fun. This has almost nothing. Admittedly, Joanna Kerns does give a spirited performance, and you can see a glimmer of the solid comedic style she developed later. But, that's it. Even the monster is bad. Not laughingly bad, which is sometimes enjoyable... just bad, with unexplainable movements and no expression. If someone suggests you watch this movie, just say NO.