Hollywood Cowboy: A B-Western that forgets it's just a movie

Is it worth your time?

If you have a soft spot for old black-and-white westerns where the guys wear hats that are just a little too clean, sure. You'll probably enjoy it if you like the simple 'hero helps the rancher' structure. If you hate slow pacing or characters that feel like cardboard cutouts, skip it. You will be bored to tears within twenty minutes.

George O'Brien plays the titular actor who wanders into Wyoming. The movie tries hard to make him look tough, but there’s this lingering feeling that he’s just waiting for the director to yell cut. Watching him try to navigate the ranch drama is like watching someone pretend to be a carpenter when they’ve never touched a hammer.

The main villain, Kramer, is running a protection racket, which is basically code for 'stand around and look mean.' There’s a scene where he stamps the cattle, and it feels like it lasts for an eternity. It’s supposed to be a high-stakes moment of tension, but the editing makes it feel like they just had a bunch of cows in a field and kept rolling the camera until someone got tired.

Compared to a tighter flick like Bucking Broadway, this feels a bit like it’s running on fumes. The dialogue is stiff. Everyone talks like they’re reading off a cue card held just out of frame.

Odd little things I noticed:

• The dust in the background looks remarkably like flour.
• Every time someone pulls a gun, you can practically hear the props department sighing.
• The horses seem to have more charisma than half the supporting cast.

There’s a weird lack of chemistry between the lead and Cecilia Parker. Every time they share a scene, it feels like they’re standing on two different planets. It’s not necessarily bad acting, just a total absence of whatever spark is supposed to be there.

I found myself zoning out during the dialogue-heavy bits. Then, suddenly, someone would yell or a chair would get knocked over, and I’d be pulled back in. It’s that kind of movie. It doesn't ask for your full attention. Honestly, it doesn't really deserve it.

It’s not trying to be a masterpiece. It just wants to get to the end of the reel so everyone can go home. Sometimes that’s enough, but today it just felt a little empty. 🤠