When the Daltons Rode

Rating:
Summary: Great Randy Scott western....
Review: Although this western is to be released in June, and I write a month or so in advance, its release is of such importance that note of it needs to be made prior to release date. When the Daltons Rode is a superior little western, and this release, by Universal, is very much welcomed. Although this movie has been available in several variable, generally poor video releases in the past, to finally have it on DVD, presumably well mastered by Universal engineers, will be a delight. Thanks Universal.

Rating:
Summary: The Daltons Surely Are Rolling Over in Their Graves
Review: I am not going to be kind to this movie, mostly because the great Randolph Scott is utterly wasted as the lawyer family friend who steals Bob Dalton's girl. The first 20 minutes are slow enough to put you to sleep, but then the action kicks in. The action is ruined by too much comedy relief, in the character "Ozark," who renders what should be serious material into a one-man vaudeville act.


In it's defense, the movie does have some good action scenes, but overall they are depicted so unrealistically and campy that these small benefits are lost. It's a shame, because the movie had the potential to exploit the Dalton legend and deliver a noteworthy film. Instead, the end result is a wacky, schizophrenic yuk-fest complimented by some furious action sequences and forgettable dialogue.


For a better movie in the "Universal Western" series, try "No Name On The Bullett," "Whispering Smith," or any of the three recent Jimmy Stewart/Anthony Mann releases.

Rating:
Summary: Light Hearted Historically Distorted Western
Review: If one is expecting a historical piece on the Dalton gang, this is not it. Though based on a story written by Emmett Dalton, this western is pure B-Hollywood despite the presence of Randolph Scott, a cowbay star a notch above the B western heroes. This is a light western where one should just sit back and enjoy. Andy Devine and an uncreditted Edgar Buchanan are pure delight. Broderick Crawford's fast talking style is typical Highway Patrol of the 50's. This was released many years before All the King's Men and Crawford's star quality is already very evident. It took along time coming (for the re-issue in DVD)so savor this one to the fullest.