"Outlaw Trail" was on first viewing disappointing, but improved considerably when, out of curiosity as to why I didn't really enjoy it, I went through it again.
Hoot Gibson and Bob Steele didn't seem as sparkling as usual in their roles; Chief Thundercloud (Victor Daniels) definitely was wooden in his portrayal as the third Trailblazer and his inept presence in the film really just accentuated the need for the absent Trailblazer Ken Maynard's fluid acting presence.
The acting awards for this program really belong to Charles King and Cy Kendall; Kendall in particular, shows once again subtle nuances of expression and how in tune he can be with his characters. He was a good actor.
The story concerns itself with the town run by Kendall's "Honest John" and how the Trailblazers are assigned to investigate the suspicious goings-on in the town. The story development is good but the energy exerted by many in the cast seems anemic. The story would have lent itself well to have been effectively played by an A-list B-western star like Tim McCoy or Buck Jones ten years earlier. Or even Bob Steele!
Additionally, the musical score is intrusive and at times irritating, taking attention away from the intrigue and dramatic atmosphere. I couldn't help but think how dramatic and involving those westerns from the early 1930's were with the absence of background music.
So although this movie is adequate to be enjoyed by fans of the genre one still might get the idea that better films await the attention of the viewer.
