After this film was completed, Gabby Hayes quit Republic Films, to enjoy semiretirement as a free lancer, in his last few years of movie making. He had made 44 films with Roy, not to mention some films with other Republic cowboy stars, including John Wayne. In many of those films with Roy, Dale Evans was also present, the 3 of them together generally making the most pleasant films of the series(unless you are a Gabby hater, and I know some of you are)......... This is a good one, with Gabby taking a particularly prominent role as MC of the annual Helldorado Frontier Days Festival, in Las Vegas, and in helping Roy and Dale round up the racketeers who were laundering money, especially in gambling establishments. The main front man for the latter is playboy Alex Baxter, who is considered ideal, since he hobnobs with all the rich folks around, likes to gamble, and is always in need of cash. But, eventually, Driscoll, head of the local money laundering syndicate, considered him more a liability, and when he refused to leave the area, had his henchmen drive him to Boulder Dam, and dispatch him. Roy and Dale investigate, and take photos of the nearby tire tracks. After quickly processing the film, they examine tires at the festival for a match. While Roy is temporality detained in the Kangaroo Court Cage for a minor offence, Dale finds the right tires. They wait for the occupants to return. Meanwhile, they meet Driscoll, who seems unusually curious about what they know of Alex's murder, raising Roy's suspicion. Driscoll instructs his 2 henchmen to take part in the treasure hunt marathon, and ambush Roy at a convenient spot. But, Roy smells an ambush on the other side of a rock formation, climbs the formation, and lassos the 2, who are on the same horse. Seems like he should have been pulled off the formation when he pulls on the lasso? Gabby shows up and helps tie them up. Meanwhile, Dale has been keeping an eye on Driscoll. She sees that he receives a written message, and bumps him as she walks past him. Supposedly, she sees enough of the message to know what to do. This looks very awkward! She follows Driscoll and companions , as they speed toward the rail station, where a package is waiting for them. Dale speeds very recklessly behind them, and, amazingly, gets to the station well before they do?? When the station master refuses to do what she requests, she sneaks into the freight room and finds the package, ripping the tag off. When Driscoll's bunch arrive, they knockout the station master, when he hesitates to let them take the package, while Dale is hiding in a refrigerator. Gabby has told Roy to head for the rail station. There, he has a spectacular fight with the 3 bad men, sometimes helped by Dale. Meanwhile, Gabby has tricked the Sons of Pioneers into coming to the station, where they help subdue the crooks. Gabby also arrives and, when Driscoll tries to flee with the $1000, bills being laundered, he beans him, and takes the money..........As for music, the title song is sung during the opening credits, and at the end. Roy sings "Silver Stars, Purple Sage, and Eyes of Blue". At the Rodeo, Roy and the Sons of Pioneers sing "My Saddle Pals and I". While Roy is in the Kangaroo Court Cage, he sings "Be a Good Neighbor, with Dale helping. In the Casino, the Sons of Pioneers, led by the comical Pat Brady, sing "You Ain't Heard Nothing 'Till You Hear Him Roar"........See the uncut version at YouTube.
Review of Heldorado
