In Old Caliente (1939)
*** (out of 4)
Good "B" Western has Roy Rogers going to work for a rich, Spanish landowner (Frank Puglia) but when he's killed by Sujarno (Jack LaRue), it's Roy and Gabby that's accused of it. With the help of Gabby's granddaughter (Lynne Roberts) they must try and find a way to prove their innocence while bringing down the bad guy. IN OLD CALIENTE is pretty much what you'd expect from a film like this and fans of the genre should have a good time with it. It gives us some nice action, quick pacing, some nice songs and the story itself is fairly interesting. The story is set before the battle between the states and shows a time when white settlers were heading West and trying to get their part of the land and riches. I thought this was used to good effect as well as all the messages going on in regards to the Spanish owners. As you'd expect, the cast are in fine form with Rogers leading the way. He has no problems playing the cool, laid back good guy and there's no doubt that the actor could do this in his sleep. George 'Gabby' Hayes is also in fine form with his comic touches and especially in some scenes involving the family dog. The sequence with the earthquake is quite funny. Roberts makes a good love interest for Roy and LaRue does his very best as the hissing villain. The film also offers up some pretty good action scenes scattered throughout including the ending, which takes place in the ocean. If you're not a fan of these type of movies then it's doubtful this one will make you change your opinion but fans of the genre should get a kick out of it and there's also a duet between Rogers and Gabby, which is priceless.
