Adventures of Gallant Bess

While I wouldn't say that "Adventures of Gallant Bess" is a downright awful movie, if you have seen your share of family westerns from this period (like the ones with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers), it will come across as very familiar. There is one big difference, that this western was filmed in color. However, it was photographed in the cheapo "Cinecolor" process, so that, at least in the print that I watched, the color is not very strong. And the color makes the sequences filmed on soundstages (though supposed to be taking place outdoors) look more phony than if they had been shot in black and white. Anyway, the movie as a whole doesn't provide any surprises. The standard ingredients are here - horse tricks, a love interest, a villain, etc. It does unfold a tad slow, and Cameron Mitchell doesn't have the charisma of Autry or Rogers. Still, I have seen worse horse operas.

There is some pretty good scenery and photography in this movie, but the story never really fulfils its potential, and this keeps it from being anything more than average. It's not unpleasant, just bland, with characters and potential conflicts that are not fully developed.

Most of it is about Ted, a rodeo hand, and 'Bess', a wild horse that he has tamed and trained. Ted is mostly likable, but pretty dull, and most of the other characters are stock figures. There are really only a couple of scenes that aren't routine.

On the other hand, there is some good scenery, with plenty of outdoor shots, and a couple good views of groups of wild horses roaming free. The color photography is good, and has held up well. It makes it a mostly pleasant movie to watch, but it just never really gets going.