Gun Law

Hollywood was probably cranking out two or three of these "Oaters" per week during the 1930s and early 1940s. They were simple "B" movies for the Saturday matinée audience.

Two things, in my opinion, made this movie a notch above the rest. First, Marshal Tom O'Malley, portrayed by George O'Brien, does not have some toothless, goofy old guy for a sidekick who tends to be more of a hindrance than a help to the hero. Instead, he is supported by a Deputy-Marshal, as played by Ray Whitley, who plays an integral role in bringing the bad guys to justice. Refreshing. Second, Whitley was a competent singer/songwriter of Western music (he wrote "Back in the Saddle Again" which became a big hit for Gene Autry) and he has a chance to perform some of his songs in the movie.

So, while the movie is hardly a must-see, it is a pleasant diversion for an hour and a cut above the standard "B" Western of that era.