On the Border: A Classic Rin Tin Tin Adventure for Dog Lovers

Alright, so On the Border isn't exactly a must-see unless you're a big fan of old B-movies and, honestly, dogs. If you dig vintage border patrol stories with a dash of classic Hollywood charm and a dog doing its thing, you might get a kick out of it. Anyone looking for deep plots or modern thrills? Probably skip this one. 🎬

Rinty Saves the Day (Mostly)

Let's be real, the main draw here is Rin Tin Tin. He’s listed last in the credits, but Rinty is the real star. He gets some solid screen time, mostly doing what dogs do best: growling at bad guys and looking quite noble. His teeth get a lot of close-ups! You can almost feel the director thinking, "More dog, less talking."

There's this great bit where Rinty just *knows* something’s off. He doesn't need a whole monologue. Just a twitch of the ear, a low rumble, and you understand the threat. It’s pretty effective. 🐾

His partnership with Dave, the border patrol officer, is central. Dave, played by Walter Miller, is doing his best to look like a tramp, which mostly involves looking a bit scruffy and hanging around. He's got a good heart, though. The bond with Rinty feels genuine, even if the acting around them sometimes feels a little stiff.

The Plot: Smugglers and Songs

The whole setup with Farrell smuggling Chinese folks across the line... it’s a plot point that feels very much of its time. Farrell is your typical sneering villain, not much depth, but he serves his purpose well enough.

Dave goes undercover as a 'tramp,' which is a fun detail. You just picture him trying to blend in, maybe with a strategically placed smudge on his cheek. He’s trying to put an end to Farrell's operations, all while trying not to blow his cover. It's straightforward stuff.

And then there's Pepita, Don Jose's daughter, played by Armida. She shows up now and then to strum her guitar and sing a couple of songs. It feels a bit like they just needed to fill some time, or maybe add a little 'flair' to the desert setting. 🎶 Her songs are pleasant enough, but they kind of pause the story for a bit.

Little Moments

• The desert scenery is actually pretty vast. You get a real sense of how isolated these ranches were.
• One specific scene, Rinty has to chase down a guy through some brush, and you can see him *really* going for it. No stunt doubles for dogs back then, I guess.
• The way Farrell's goons just kind of *loiter* around the rancho, looking shifty. It's almost comical.

The action sequences are simple. A lot of running, a few punches thrown, and of course, Rinty leaping into the fray. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. You don't get much in the way of complex twists. It's a chase, a capture, and a dog being awesome.

It’s important to remember the era this film comes from. The storytelling is direct, almost like a stage play sometimes. The pacing is a bit slower than modern films, but it builds its little tensions.

Overall, On the Border is a neat little time capsule. It's a quick watch, good for a lazy afternoon when you want something uncomplicated. If you're a classic film buff, especially one who appreciates the charm of early cinema and the undeniable star power of a well-trained dog, give it a shot. Otherwise, maybe just watch some dog videos on YouTube. 🐕‍🦺