Gun Smoke (1935): A dusty, old-school tumbleweed run

Is it worth your time?

Look, if you have a soft spot for grainy, black-and-white westerns where everyone wears giant hats and talks like they’re reading off a telegram, you’ll be fine. If you need pacing, depth, or anything resembling a modern plot structure, you should probably skip this. It’s for the people who want to see a specific kind of 1935 aesthetic—the kind where the horses look like they’ve seen more of the world than the actors.

The whole thing revolves around sheep vs. cattle. It’s the classic grudge match. Parker brings in the sheep, Culverson hates it, and suddenly everyone is reaching for their holsters. It’s honestly impressive how much drama they squeeze out of wool.

The pocket watch thing

There is this pocket watch. It has a picture in it. Branning keeps carrying it around like it’s the holy grail, and it’s meant to complicate things, but mostly it just gives the actors something to stare at while they wait for their next line. You can practically see them thinking about what they’re having for lunch while they hold that prop. It’s oddly charming, in a 'they forgot to write a real reveal' kind of way.

The vibe

The scenery is pretty standard, but there’s a moment where a few riders cross a ridge that felt like it went on for three days. You can tell they were just trying to fill time, but there’s something nice about how quiet it is. No booming score, just the sound of hooves hitting the dirt and the wind.

Compared to something like Hearts and Masks, this feels way more grounded in that 'staged western' reality. It isn't trying to be anything fancy. It’s just guys in vests shooting at rocks. Sometimes that’s enough.

• The dialogue is about 50% shouting.
• I’m pretty sure one of the extras in the background of the ranch scene is just standing there reading a newspaper he shouldn't have.
• The villain, Sneed, is the exact level of 'crooked lawyer' you expect from a movie made before my grandparents were born.

It’s not perfect. It’s barely even good by modern standards. But there’s a lack of cynicism here that you just don't get anymore. They aren't trying to sell you a franchise or a theme park ride. They’re just trying to get through the scene before the sun goes down. 🤠

I found myself zoning out during the long rides, but honestly, that’s where the movie is at its best. It doesn't demand your brain power. It just wants you to sit there and watch the dust settle.