Independent oaters don't have a good reputation, so I was not expecting anything special from Alpha's Bob Custer DVD, showcasing "The Scarlet Brand", supported by "Quick Trigger Lee". To my surprise, "The Scarlet Brand" is quite entertaining. It's full of action and that action not only moves fast and furiously in the great outdoors, but Mr. Custer himself has more than a bit of charisma. The as-long-as-your-arm support cast - also made up of people I'd never heard of - is strong too.
The entire cast, but particularly heroine Betty Mack and support player Robert Walker, delivered excellent portrayals under the guidance of director J.P. McGowan - a director who also know hows to stage action and make it presentable, believable and exciting.
Location filming certainly helped too, but what was even more surprising was that the story not only presented some original ideas (for example, the hero gets branded quite early on in the action), but moved fast and altogether came across as really first-rate entertainment.
Incidentally, although Alpha is quick to point out that - due to the age of the film - some "picture anomalies" are present, I was so wrapped in the fast-moving, action-full plot that I didn't notice any such anomalies at all!
The entire cast, but particularly heroine Betty Mack and support player Robert Walker, delivered excellent portrayals under the guidance of director J.P. McGowan - a director who also know hows to stage action and make it presentable, believable and exciting.
Location filming certainly helped too, but what was even more surprising was that the story not only presented some original ideas (for example, the hero gets branded quite early on in the action), but moved fast and altogether came across as really first-rate entertainment.
Incidentally, although Alpha is quick to point out that - due to the age of the film - some "picture anomalies" are present, I was so wrapped in the fast-moving, action-full plot that I didn't notice any such anomalies at all!
