Utah Trail

I've seen quite a few B-westerns during the last year--featuring many different old-time stars. The Tex Ritter films I've seen are a bit like lower budget Gene Autry or Roy Rogers films. Tex sings and fights for good just like the other two--but the films are also a bit rougher and cheaper in comparison--like a poor man's imitation of the original. I think I prefer Ritter's singing (the songs are just more fun) but his acting was a tad rough--with a delivery that seemed a bit amateurish. Now this does NOT mean I disliked the films--they just lacked the polish and standards of the Republic westerns.

When the film began, I was surprised to see that Tex had TWO sidekicks--not the usual one. And, I was even more surprised to see one billed as 'Pee Wee' Pollard--as it was actually the silent film comic, Snub Pollard. Seeing him in a western was weird as well as hearing his faint Australian accent in the American west. He and the other comic relief were actually pretty good, however--so I am not criticizing their use in the film.

The plot finds Tex investigating a so-called 'Ghost Train' that he been riding the rails of a railroad owned by a friend...a recently deceased friend. While the concept is a little bit unique (and I really prize plots in these films that are unique), the problem is that it's obvious to anyone watching the film who the baddies and the evil boss-man are--so there really isn't much of a mystery here. In addition, Ritter's character seemed like he could have used some psychotherapy or medication, as he seemed so gosh-darned mad all the time--and shouted many of his lines! Still, overall the film is worth seeing if you like the genre. Otherwise, I doubt if this will appeal much to the average viewer today.

Other than Tex Ritter singing a song The Utah Trail in this film, Utah has absolutely nothing to do with this western. It concerns Ritter and his two ranger sidekicks Snub Pollard and Horace Murphy and them going undercover to investigate a 'ghost train' which maybe smuggling a lot of rustled cattle into Mexico. Which ain't nowhere near Utah.

Ritter masquerades as the notorious Pecos Kid, not that he successfully infiltrates the gang, but it does allow him to hang around their haunts and pick up information. I have to see the outlaws do have an interesting scheme afoot with the railroad and of course it is an inside job of sorts.

Pollard and Murphy are a pair of funny dudes, Pollard made his comedic bones in films as a Keystone Kop. And Tex keeps them around for laughs. But why anyone would want to work with these guys on a serious case is beyond me. I don't think the Saturday matinée kids could figure it out either back in the day.

Nice B western from the independent and shortlived Grand National studio where Ritter was their featured western player.