Copyright 8 March 1940 by Paramount Pictures Inc. A Harry Sherman Production. No New York opening. U.S. release: 8 March 1940. Australian release: 20 June 1940. 5,841 feet. 65 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: At the Sundance railroad station, where the townsfolk are awaiting the arrival of Baron Rendor, Cassidy and his pals, Lucky and Speedy, get into a fight with a group of toughs who are in the employ of the baron. The same train brings Sue Willard, disguised as a boy, into town, and Cassidy saves her life as she is about to be swept under the train. (An excellent Platinum Disc DVD).
NOTES: Number 28 of the 66-picture series (Zinman's numbering. Paramount's number is 30). Jan Clayton was Mrs Russell Hayden.
COMMENT: "Pop" Sherman's picture-making philosophy of a powerful opening and a bang-up finish is well exemplified by this entry. In fact, the impactful opener, reminiscent of Wellman's Wild Boys of the Road, is one of the most exciting of the entire series. The actionful climax is great too. But in between, apart from Russell Harlan's fine location photography, the picture's interest level is no more than fair to middling.
OTHER VIEWS: Britt Wood, a replacement for George Hayes, was a seasoned vaudeville performer who played the harmonica and told mildewed rustic jokes. Wood was out of place in the series, but the entries in which he appeared had compensating virtues.
SYNOPSIS: At the Sundance railroad station, where the townsfolk are awaiting the arrival of Baron Rendor, Cassidy and his pals, Lucky and Speedy, get into a fight with a group of toughs who are in the employ of the baron. The same train brings Sue Willard, disguised as a boy, into town, and Cassidy saves her life as she is about to be swept under the train. (An excellent Platinum Disc DVD).
NOTES: Number 28 of the 66-picture series (Zinman's numbering. Paramount's number is 30). Jan Clayton was Mrs Russell Hayden.
COMMENT: "Pop" Sherman's picture-making philosophy of a powerful opening and a bang-up finish is well exemplified by this entry. In fact, the impactful opener, reminiscent of Wellman's Wild Boys of the Road, is one of the most exciting of the entire series. The actionful climax is great too. But in between, apart from Russell Harlan's fine location photography, the picture's interest level is no more than fair to middling.
OTHER VIEWS: Britt Wood, a replacement for George Hayes, was a seasoned vaudeville performer who played the harmonica and told mildewed rustic jokes. Wood was out of place in the series, but the entries in which he appeared had compensating virtues.