Texans Never Cry

While I didn't love "Texans Never Cry", I was impressed with the fact that the plot was NOT the usual B-western faire. Instead of the usual evil bossman trying to run all the nice people off the range or the like, this one finds a gang of baddies selling counterfeit Mexican lottery tickets! Talk about unusual!!

The story begins with a Mexican federal policeman arriving in Texas. It seems that his government is concerned because there are a lot of counterfeit tickets being produced and the trail leads to Texas. Gene is a Texas Ranger and he agrees to help....but soon after, the Mexican is murdered. Of course Blackie did it....as his name is 'Blackie'...a sure sign he's evil! But it takes most of the rest of the film for Gene and his sidekick (Pat Buttram) to get the goods on him and his boss.

In addition to the interesting plot, the story was filmed in the Alabama Hills, near Lone Pine, California. This was a very, very popular site for films...particularly, but not exclusively, westerns. But here it's much better looking than usual due to some excellent cinematography.

On the negative side, and there are very few here, I'd say that it did seem to take too long to bring Blackie to justice. Additionally, the nice woman and the evil one look VERY similar...so pay attention!

Overall, well worth seeing...one of Autry's best of the 1950s.