One of the last of the many (many) Westerns Tim Holt made for RKO and it's an entirely decent B Western, with strong production values and brisk handling. There's a solid story with some complex (ish) characters and memorable moments. I get the feeling people tried on this one. It also benefits from a good cast.
Hugh Beaumont adds some low-wattage star power the baddy - a saloon owner. Universal's favourite Rock Hudson back up, George Nader, does likewise as a sort of anti-hero - a man who is trying to sabotage Gail Davis' telegraph, but isn't as bad as Beaumont, his best friend. Davis has a memorable introduction, dangling from a telegraph pole, and a strong character - she's feisty, gun-toting, in charge of camp, and willing to whip up a lynch mob. She's not there for romance (Holt apparently didn't often engage in it despite his good looks - it would upset his kid fans).
I don't want to overpraise this - it is a B Western - but there is constant action and story. Tim Holt is a solid star - not bright or bubbly, yes okay you could call him bland, but he's a steady center for the action. Richard Martin is his Mexican-Irish sidekick. Mari Blanchard adds some extra glamour as Nader's fiance.
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