Texas Trail (1937)

Lack of good storyline.

Excellent but underrated film

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Copyright 26 November 1937 by Paramount Pictures, Inc. No New York opening. U.S. release: 26 November 1937. Australian release: 26 May 1938. 5,281 feet. 58 minutes.SYNOPSIS: The united States Army needs horses for the Spanish-American War, but all attempts to get wild horses from the Western plains have failed. Herds which have been gathered have been hijacked by rustlers. Colonel Whitely instructs Major McCready to impress the services of Hopalong Cassidy, who, meanwhile, has been training his men as a volunteer force. Although disappointed at having to work as a civilian, Hopalong answers the call to the flag, and with loyal men rounds up a herd of 500 wild horses. Helping him are Lucky Jenkins, Windy Halliday and Smokey.([An excellent Platinum Disc DVD) .NOTES: Locations near and in the Little Tuba River, Arizona. Number 14 of the 66-picture series. The Cassidy films are usually numbered in release order (Zinman's numbering) rather than in the order in which they were actually made (Paramount's numbering). COMMENT: Picturesque Hopalong Cassidy, with fine location photography by Russell Harlan and a splendid climax. The screenplay by Jack O'Donnell, with additional dialogue by Harrison Jacobs, is routine but moderately interesting. Director Dave Selman has an eye for composition. Miss Allen is a disappointing actress, but the rest of the players are quite competent.

Hopalong and Windy and Lucky are off rounding up horses for the military. FANTASTIC Arizona canyon scenery during the horse roundup scenes that just cannot be beat.Lots of shooting and stampeding and general western carryings on but if you like that sort of thing and want a look back at simpler times in western film making, you might just like this one.Bill Boyd, George Hayes, Russell Hayden and a cast of competent character actors doing their villainous best make for a fun way to while away some time. Even squeaky voiced Billy King as the helpful "Boots" didn't wreck this one. The Girl is pretty too.

What can I say about Hoppe? Well even though these movies were made before I was born, I grew up watching cowboy movies. Still watch them, and when I hear his song at the beginning of each one I watch, and then see him and his beautiful horse, Topper riding, I still get excited. Love to hear his laugh, and feel he is definitely "a TRUE COWBOY'. This movie, just watched again, and not only is the story good, but love the black and white, and the true cowboy he was, at the drop of a hat, would help in anyway he could. The conniving bad guys always trying to get after him, but with the help of "GABBY', known as Windy in the movie, very good sidekick those two. Loved the movie, the location, the horses, the canyon, and the fact that he wanted to fight in the war, but was needed for important other things, he did it anyway, no complaints. If you love cowboys, and a true gentleman, Hoppe is the way to go.

As with most Hopalong Cassidy films this one has good action and amazingly authentic feel for period setting and beautifully filmed locations, especially for Saturday morning features. This one moves more toward the kiddie audience with a youngster named Boots coming to Hoppy's rescue. Much to my surprise and delight Hoppy movies are starting to show up on TV again after a prolonged absence.