Las campanas de San Angelo

Did I see the movie correctly, or did Roy shoot Dale twice with a loaded gun! At least her white blouse showed no blood. After seeing that, I'm really glad that the famous cowboy couple got permanently hitched at the end of '47. In fact, there're a number of unexpected touches in this well-produced Rogers oater, including a baddie who actually grieves over his dead pet bird - how's that for humanizing a bad guy. Then too, looks like Republic popped a hefty budget for this Rogers programmer. The scenic Nevada buttes are a dramatic and eye-catching plus. And get a load of that strung-out silver mine clinging to the mountainside like a giant caterpillar.

So, can Roy, Devine, and Dale stop the smugglers from tunneling silver ore from the Mexico side of the border to the US side where it brings in a lot more dough. Those underground scenes in the cross-border tunnel are grimly well-staged. Meanwhile a really paunchy Sheriff Devine gets to throw his weight around in more than just comedic style -- so watch out bad guys. Meanwhile, the lovely Dale has a more meaningful plot role than usual, as a writer, no less. Then too, there's plenty of hard riding and fast shooting, along with flying fists that may surprise you (it did me). On the brief downside is a loose narrative, and maybe too few songs from the delightful Sons of the Pioneers.

All in all, its a nifty Rogers oater with a number of unusual touches. Also, it looks like Republic was maybe looking for a series uplft. So Front-Row guys and geezers, don't pass it up.