Twilight on the Rio Grande

This film is listed in Harry Medved's "Fifty Worst Movies" book but this really doesn't make sense, as it's a decent little B-western. I usually agree with Medved but this time the film isn't particularly bad, nor good--just a very typical programmer.

While much of the film doesn't make sense (such as the extensive use of phones and trucks in the West and a guy patronizingly named "Mucho Dinero"), the film is rather likable and is pretty indistinguishable from other Gene Autry films. The usual singing, light banter and adventure is all here, though I must admit the "action" was very, very muted. I guess Gene was getting older and exerting himself just wasn't in his contract! However, he did sing some lovely songs and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the title song--especially since I usually hate cowboy music! So is it a bad film or not? Well, it all really depends on your perspective. All of Autry's and Roy Rogers' films were pretty cheesy--with very simple plots, incredibly dumb sidekicks and lots of pointless singing. If you can't stand them, then this film is a "must avoid" film. However, if you like the genre, then it's pretty typical and well made compared to these films--though not the average non-B Western.