South of Santa Fe

Did I see correctly or did good old Fuzzy take several bullets to the gut taking him out of the gunfight action. Oh my, what a surprise for an oater! Anyhow the cowboy flick is set unexpectedly in modern times, circa 1942. Thus there's no mistaking the baddies in their sleek city suits while Roy and guys are in their usual rough cowboy togs. Thus it's frontier tradition vs modern city ways, cowboys and horses vs airplanes, cars and phones.

The battle itself is over who gets control of an abandoned gold mine. But now it's WWII time and the mine's recently discovered tungsten ore is needed for warfare. That means lots of money's at stake, and Roy wants the mine's sweetie legal owner (Carol) to benefit instead of the scheming greedy easterners. So which side will win out.

Don't let the first part fool you. It's all melodic singing and merri-making. But then the action starts and picks up speed as it goes along. Lot's of hard-riding and fast- shooting, but few flying-fists or good scenery. Nonetheless, it's Roy and Fuzzy on their way up the cowboy trail, along with a good mix of the old and the new, so give it a look-see.