Director: WILLIAM BERKE. Screenplay: Norman Houston. Based on the 1931 novel by Zane Grey. Photography: Frank Redman. Film editor: Samuel E. Beetley. Art directors: Albert S. D'Agostino and Lucius O. Croxton. Set decorators: Darrell Silvera and William Stevens. Music director: Constantin Bakaleinikoff. Special effects: Vernon L. Walker. Music: Paul Sawtell. Assistant director: Doran Cox. Sound recording: Jean L. Speak, Roy Granville. RCA Sound System. Producer: Herman Schlom. Executive producer: Sid Rogell.
Copyright 29 July 1946 by RKO-Radio Pictures, Inc. No recorded New York opening. U.S. release: 18 July 1946. Australian release: 8 August 1946. 5,495 feet. 61 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Two detectives trail train robbers.
COMMENT: By the humble standards of director William Berke, this effort comes over as a truly outstanding little western. The action spots with their fast tracking shots over rough location terrain rate 100% for edge-of-the-saddle excitement and thrills. There's even a spill so expertly staged the combatants end up right in front of the camera.
Warren acquits himself ably enough as the perplexed hero, but is outshone by the support cast, particularly Jane Greer as a singing dance hall girl, Robert Barrat as the vengeful rancher, Harry Woods as the deep-dyed Cinnabar and Steve Brodie as the sly Slagle.
As for John Laurenz pinch-hitting in Richard Martin's customary role as Chito Rafferty, well, it's largely a matter of taste. Admittedly, I didn't like Martin at first, but you get used to him. A singing, pint-sized, more mature Chito does come as a bit of a culture shock.
Norman Houston's screenplay is less leisurely, more action-packed than usual, but I'm not going to swear out any complaints.
Production values, as usual for RKO westerns, are excellent.
Copyright 29 July 1946 by RKO-Radio Pictures, Inc. No recorded New York opening. U.S. release: 18 July 1946. Australian release: 8 August 1946. 5,495 feet. 61 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Two detectives trail train robbers.
COMMENT: By the humble standards of director William Berke, this effort comes over as a truly outstanding little western. The action spots with their fast tracking shots over rough location terrain rate 100% for edge-of-the-saddle excitement and thrills. There's even a spill so expertly staged the combatants end up right in front of the camera.
Warren acquits himself ably enough as the perplexed hero, but is outshone by the support cast, particularly Jane Greer as a singing dance hall girl, Robert Barrat as the vengeful rancher, Harry Woods as the deep-dyed Cinnabar and Steve Brodie as the sly Slagle.
As for John Laurenz pinch-hitting in Richard Martin's customary role as Chito Rafferty, well, it's largely a matter of taste. Admittedly, I didn't like Martin at first, but you get used to him. A singing, pint-sized, more mature Chito does come as a bit of a culture shock.
Norman Houston's screenplay is less leisurely, more action-packed than usual, but I'm not going to swear out any complaints.
Production values, as usual for RKO westerns, are excellent.