Considering the sappy title, 'My Pal Trigger,' I was expecting the usual Roy Rogers' western; i.e. pleasant, wholesome, sentimental, musical, fun and slightly juvenile. 'My Pal Trigger' had more tragic elements (including the violent deaths of two horses), a less sympathetic, stubborn, more feisty Roy Rogers and story which plays out over four years. Gabby Hayes, usually Roy's sidekick, plays his adversary, and has a gambling problem to boot! This is one of the best pairings of Rogers/Evans, though it takes a very long time for their relationship to jell. It's too bad Herbert Yates didn't shoot this one in color, since there are so many beautiful horses and scenery. As best I can see, the movie has only one serious factual flaw and one very unlikely event, and to describe those would spoil the fun. However, I'll explain them under spoilers to see if you agree, once you've seen the movie.
WARNING: SPOILERS
Roy is blamed for the death of Gabby Hayes's Palomino, Golden Sovereign, after he is shot by the villain with a rifle and Roy's handgun is discovered to have one bullet discharged. However, Roy's handgun is VERY unlikely to fire the same caliber bullets as any rifle. Another unlikely, though possible event, occurs to Trigger, as a colt. Trigger steps in a trap meant for a mountain lion, but it is obvious the kind of trap shown would have hopelessly mangled Trigger's leg.
END OF SPOILERS
These quibbles aside, 'My Pal Trigger' is one of Roy Rogers best 'adult' pictures, albeit a 'B' western with cheap production values, nonexistent directing and dull cinematography. These movies exist in a kitschy, predictable world of their own. When compared to 'A' westerns, it's barely worth a '5,' but on the 'B' level it's almost a '10'. Therefore, I give 'My Pal Trigger' a '7'.
WARNING: SPOILERS
Roy is blamed for the death of Gabby Hayes's Palomino, Golden Sovereign, after he is shot by the villain with a rifle and Roy's handgun is discovered to have one bullet discharged. However, Roy's handgun is VERY unlikely to fire the same caliber bullets as any rifle. Another unlikely, though possible event, occurs to Trigger, as a colt. Trigger steps in a trap meant for a mountain lion, but it is obvious the kind of trap shown would have hopelessly mangled Trigger's leg.
END OF SPOILERS
These quibbles aside, 'My Pal Trigger' is one of Roy Rogers best 'adult' pictures, albeit a 'B' western with cheap production values, nonexistent directing and dull cinematography. These movies exist in a kitschy, predictable world of their own. When compared to 'A' westerns, it's barely worth a '5,' but on the 'B' level it's almost a '10'. Therefore, I give 'My Pal Trigger' a '7'.