Smokey Smith

Mary Kornman was one of the loveliest young ladies who never, for whatever reason, managed to break into the A pictures. And she was a good enough actress, too, that she should have been given more breaks.

In "Smokey Smith" she has a few scenes in which she shows her acting ability, with facial and bodily movements, as well as her loveliness.

Playing her step-father is the very great George Hayes, long before he was "Gabby," and in a role with a twist. He was really a very fine actor.

Star Bob Steele was his usual superior self, showing his acting chops as well as his excellent cowboy skills. He has to have been among the five or ten best riders of all the cowboys stars, except, perhaps, for the rodeo stars, such as Yakima Canutt.

Speaking of Yak, that his fight-scene choreography had not yet become the industry standard shows in some of the fight scenes in these Westerns, but that does not really detract. Little Bob Steele mixing it up with the larger Warner Richmond looks rough enough.

"Smokey Smith" has a gritty and rugged look, and the special effects and makeup departments make Bob Steele and others look especially worn. Along with the excellent directing and photography, they make this movie one to watch. I do recommend it, and would have given it a higher rating except the print at YouTube seems to have an entire reel missing. Fortunately, the scene following is pretty self-explanatory, so give it a look, unless you can find a better print.