Imagine finding out that your favorite brand of steak has been recalled for a weird cattle disease, or that milk prices skyrocket due to dwindling availability because cows have to be tested for something called "blackleg" disease. That's the plot of this really good Tim Holt western where job searchers Dave Saunders (Holt) and his girl crazy sidekick Chito (Richard Martin) finds employment with rancher Cliff Clark, dealing with vindictive drunk ex-ranch hand James Bush who sends in a fake cattle doctor to make the claim.
As a pretty, young doctor, Dorothy Malone plays a woman ahead of her time, becoming involved in the case and stirring Chito's tender loins. He's as silly as usual, and it's difficult to not laugh while rolling your eyes at his buffoonery. I liked this because it has more plot than most B westerns and used a unique situation to develop the plot, one that the writers actually researched. Malone, already a major Warner Brothers lower rank contract player, is a welcome entry into the series, and looks very pretty while spouting medical jargon and smirking at Martin's unsuccessful attempts to charm her. Ranks among the highest of the RKO/Holt series, and should be listed as a true B western classic.
As a pretty, young doctor, Dorothy Malone plays a woman ahead of her time, becoming involved in the case and stirring Chito's tender loins. He's as silly as usual, and it's difficult to not laugh while rolling your eyes at his buffoonery. I liked this because it has more plot than most B westerns and used a unique situation to develop the plot, one that the writers actually researched. Malone, already a major Warner Brothers lower rank contract player, is a welcome entry into the series, and looks very pretty while spouting medical jargon and smirking at Martin's unsuccessful attempts to charm her. Ranks among the highest of the RKO/Holt series, and should be listed as a true B western classic.