Catch what appears to be innuendo in the opening stagecoach scene between Ella Raines and the guy sitting across from her. Rather surprising for a Republic Western. It's hardly unusual for a pop singer to transition to movies. Examples range from crooners Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra to rocker Elvis to more contemporary Ice Cube. Monroe makes a manful effort, but in my book the results are best described as uneven. Note how much more relaxed he appears when doing what he does bestsing (I'm glad they worked in Mule Train, the main reason I tuned in).
Wisely, the studio surrounded him with a cast of very capable performers. In fact, Ward Bond has almost as much screen time as Monroe; and ditto for that sly old fox, Walter Brennan. They may have made a mistake with Raines, however. Her glamorous presence and strong personality clearly overshadow that of the uncertain newcomer. Nonetheless, the locations from scenic Sedona, Arizona, make for a series of terrific background shots. The story is more interesting than most oaters, but also more complicated. I had trouble following many of the developments, but maybe that's my fault. Anyway, all things considered, it's a decent enough horse opera. And judging by his scant screen credits, Monroe made the right decision sticking with his unusually fine baritone.
Wisely, the studio surrounded him with a cast of very capable performers. In fact, Ward Bond has almost as much screen time as Monroe; and ditto for that sly old fox, Walter Brennan. They may have made a mistake with Raines, however. Her glamorous presence and strong personality clearly overshadow that of the uncertain newcomer. Nonetheless, the locations from scenic Sedona, Arizona, make for a series of terrific background shots. The story is more interesting than most oaters, but also more complicated. I had trouble following many of the developments, but maybe that's my fault. Anyway, all things considered, it's a decent enough horse opera. And judging by his scant screen credits, Monroe made the right decision sticking with his unusually fine baritone.