Pals of the Range: A Dust-Covered Relic

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, only if you have a soft spot for the really old, black-and-white stuff. If you aren't already into vintage westerns, this is going to feel like a very long, very dry nap. People who love the specific rhythm of low-budget 1930s action will probably enjoy the ride, but everyone else will likely find it totally inscrutable.

The whole thing is basically just people squinting at each other in the bright sun. The plot is thin as a piece of parchment—cowboy finds rustlers, cowboy chases rustlers, repeat until the credits roll.

It’s not trying to be Summertime or anything fancy. It just wants to get from the branding iron to the gunfight without too much fuss.

The little things that stuck

• There is a moment where the shadows are so long you can tell the sun was setting, but the next shot is high noon.
• The music is just this constant, frantic fiddling that never seems to stop, even when they’re just standing around eating beans.
• I’m pretty sure I saw the same rock three times in different locations.

It reminded me a bit of the simplicity in The Star Prince, where the story is just a vehicle to keep the lights on and the horses moving. There’s no big message here. Just guys in hats looking grumpy.

The dialogue is super clipped, almost like they were afraid of wasting film. Nobody talks like a normal human being. Everyone sounds like they are reading off a telegraph machine.

I found myself watching the background more than the actual stars. Some of the background extras just stand there looking bored, like they’re waiting for a bus that never comes. It’s kind of funny if you pay attention long enough.

Is it a classic? Not by a long shot. But there’s something oddly soothing about how low-stakes the whole thing feels compared to modern movies that are constantly screaming for your attention. 🤠