Cavalier of the West

Harry Carey is an army captain whose wastrel kid brother, a lieutenant, is transferred to his post. They find themselves competing for the same beautiful Mexican girl when the brother gets mixed up in a murder involving a saloon girl. He also has trouble with a crooked cantina/gambling-house owner and a gang of rustlers.

Carey is an undeniable presence, and entirely believable as a grizzled cavalry captain, Kane Richmond is cast against type as the carousing, drunken brother, and Gabby Hayes--billed here as George Hayes--is terrific as an Irish-born sheriff. In addition, there are two absolutely stunning Mexican actresses, Carmen LaRoux and Christina Montt, playing the girl Carey and his brothers are in love with and the saloon girl, respectively, and both do first-rate jobs. Ted Adams, of course, does his usual fine job of villainy.

Where the film falters is in its presentation. The writing by director John P. McCarthy leaves a lot to be desired, and his direction is choppy and erratic. There is a dearth of action until near the end when there is a not-bad shootout between the cavalry and the rustler gang.

All things considered, I'd rate this independent (Weiss Bros.) "B" western just a bit below average, but Carey's presence, and the two beautiful Mexican women, made me give it an extra star. It's definitely worth a look.