The Bandit Chaser: A Simple Western with a Smart Dog

Okay, so The Bandit Chaser. If you’re looking for a sprawling, complex western with twists and turns, this ain't it. But if you've got an hour to kill, love a good old-fashioned shoot-em-up, and especially if you’re a fan of clever dogs in movies, you might just have a good time. Anyone hoping for a deep character study or cutting-edge special effects, though? Probably skip this one. 🤷‍♀️

The story kicks off with Bertha Murdock heading to New Mexico to run her dad’s ranch. Her arrival immediately rubs Frank Lawson, the long-time foreman, the wrong way. He’s had things his own way for so long, and Bertha showing up just messes with his whole setup. You can practically *feel* his irritation radiating off the screen.

Enter George Barton, our hero, who just wanders into town with his trusty police dog, Arno. And let me tell you, Arno is the true star here. This dog isn't just a prop; he’s doing some serious acting, and frankly, he outshines most of the human cast.

Lawson, being the obvious bad guy from minute one, instantly decides he doesn't like Barton. He’s got this smuggling ring going on, see, and he’s afraid Barton will figure it out. It’s pretty clear cut, which, for a movie of this era, is totally fine.

Things get spicy when Lawson gets spooked about one of his gang members, Slim, possibly snitching to Sheriff “Wild Bill.” Yeah, “Wild Bill.” You know exactly what kind of sheriff that is. He's the kind who shows up just in time, but maybe not *quite* in time.

So, Lawson does the predictable villain thing: he murders Slim and tries to pin it on Barton. And Bertha? She actually *sees* the whole thing go down. Instead of, you know, just running for help, Lawson and his crew snatch her and drag her off to their hideout. It makes you wonder about the escape plan, or lack thereof. 🤦‍♀️

But this is where Arno truly earns his “Wonder Dog” title. While everyone else is scrambling, Arno just *follows* them. Silently. Efficiently. He’s like a furry, four-legged detective, always on the case. His quiet determination is actually quite compelling.

The whole town is in a tizzy about these smugglers. They’re worried Federal Officers will come in and take over if something isn’t done. It adds a nice layer of tension, even if the townspeople mostly just stand around looking worried.

The climax sees Sheriff Wild Bill and his posse finally showing up at the ranch. But, of course, Barton's already riding off to rescue Bertha himself. It’s a bit of a chaotic ending, a lot of horses galloping, dust flying, and everyone trying to tie up loose ends all at once. It’s not exactly a smooth conclusion, but it gets the job done.

Oh, and we can’t forget Foxy the Horse. The credits list Foxy as having “Human Intelligence.” Now, I watched Foxy pretty carefully, and while he’s a perfectly capable steed, I didn't see any particularly *human* displays of intellect. No complex problem-solving or deep philosophical musings. Just a good horse doing horse things. Still, it’s a fun little detail in the credits. 🐎

Overall, The Bandit Chaser is exactly what it promises: a straightforward chase with bandits. It’s got its charm, mostly thanks to Arno, and a clear sense of who’s good and who’s bad. It's not going to blow your mind, but it’s a perfectly watchable piece of old cinema if you’re in the mood for it.