Comoção na Fronteira

Roy Rogers helps sheriff Will Wright figure out Pierre Watkins' gunrunning operation in this one.

It's a good story, and well-stocked with all the usual Roy Rogers songs and comedy (courtesy of Gordon Jones) and pathos -- the sheriff's bloodhound is injured capturing some bad guys and looks to having to be put down. It's in color, too, and Jack Marta's compositions are quite lovely once you get outdoors.

There are some issues, like the vagueness of when it is set, with antique rolling stock contrasted with vending machines and gas tanks. Also, the day-for-night shots are too low in contrast to be worthwhile. Still, the songs are good, including "Rollin' Wheels" sung by Roy and the Sons of the Pioneers; there are a couple of pretty girls in Estelita Rodriguez and Penny Edwards; and the usual good stuntwork. Looking back, we can see the end of the Singing Cowboy, even as Rogers' production team upgrades....but not quite yet.