Review by glennstenb

"The Oath of Vengeance" is a B-western of the type that I imagine will have to be an acquired taste for purists, while others may take even longer to settle in and permit themselves enjoyment and appreciation. I know I am a member of the former. Not having enjoyed Crabbe/St.John westerns when first exposed to them as a teen, thinking them a little tedious, I have found the passage of time has allowed me to fully get into these pictures and enjoy them very much, and what's more, to appreciate them (reviewing some of the scenes once or twice along the way was helpful). This picture is more than one with comic relief, it is really a comedy and has a cast from top to bottom that allows the comedy to naturally flow. Venerable B- director Sam Newfield allows the entire cast to cut loose and have a good time, and it indeed is funny man Al "Fuzzy" St. John who keeps this fun little program moving forward with his physical and facial antics. Buster Crabbe can't help but have a significant presence in any scene he is in because of his size, but he often takes the second banana position, being straight man for St. John and the film's two female roles. And although in his westerns Crabbe doesn't quite exhibit grade A acting skills, he does a good job as a foil for St. John, but don't ever doubt that he can definitely come alive and take care of the riding and fighting stuff when need be, too. Charles King is delightful, including playing a fine comedy scene with Fuzzy with expert seriousness. In summary, this picture has a cogent story good enough to allow for all the funny stuff to happen with a cast that seems to be having fun, but is also a film which contains plenty of fights, horses, and gunsmoke. Taking a look is warranted.