Again, Hoot Gibson has surprised and entertained me in one of his patented roles.
Hoot Gibson was different from most of the B Western heroes: He didn't carry a gun, and his movies had very little shooting.
There was often a lot of comedy, and usually pretty clever stuff, not just knockabout silliness.
"Rainbow's End" is even more different: It starts in a rodeo, takes a detour to a night club, then, via a railroad car, reaches where we want it, the West and a ranch.
Hoot's cast-mates are generally unknown today, although June Gale is probably still known around Los Angeles, since she had quite a TV career, especially as the wife and widow of the eccentric, but immensely talented, Oscar Levant.
Warner Richmond was fairly well known and also highly talented. With his unique looks, he always stood out in any role.
John Elliott should be very well known. He has a loooooong list of credits covering the years 1919 until the year of his death, 1956. And he seemed the most relaxed member of the cast, a remarkable actor.
Even good actors, though, couldn't have created such a great movie without an excellent script. Rare in B Westerns -- and mind you, I love B Westerns! -- is clever dialogue. Rollo Lloyd has provided that here. Oh, not every word is a gem, but enough of them are to warrant a 10 rating from me.
"Rainbow's End" is available in a pretty terrible version at YouTube. It's broken and repaired with bits missing, but the story, the dialogue, the acting are all so good, I could put up with the the lousy print. I hope you take a chance and watch it too. I highly recommend it.
