The Boss Rider of Gun Creek is a breezy, messy bit of western fun

Is it worth your time?

Look, if you’re a fan of old black-and-white westerns where everyone wears giant hats and the dialogue sounds like it was written on a napkin during lunch, you’ll have a decent time. If you get annoyed by plot holes the size of a canyon, skip it. You probably won't find this on any 'best of' lists, but it’s got that specific, scratchy charm.

The whole gimmick is the impersonation angle. It’s a tired trope, but Buck Jones makes it work because he just seems like a guy who is tired of being blamed for stuff. There’s a scene where he has to convince a room full of people he’s his own twin or double, and honestly, the sheer audacity of the acting is kind of impressive. Nobody in the room seems to notice he’s just wearing a slightly different hat.

Odd little things I noticed:

• The horses seem to have more screen time than some of the actual credited actors.
• There’s a moment in the second act where a guy walks into a frame and clearly forgets his line, just pauses for three seconds, and then walks back out. It’s glorious.
• The sound editing is… well, let's just say the gunshots sound like someone hitting a metal trash can with a wooden spoon.

It’s not quite as layered as Grand Hotel, obviously. It’s a different beast entirely. You’re not here for the emotional weight; you’re here for the chase scenes that cut back and forth between two different filming locations that clearly aren't in the same state.

The pacing is a bit weird. It drags for ten minutes, then suddenly everyone is running, then we’re back to a slow walk. I caught myself checking my watch a few times, but then something silly would happen—like a horse refusing to stand still during a serious confession—and I was sucked back in. It’s the kind of movie that feels better if you don't overthink the 'whodunnit' part of the murder conviction.

Honestly? It’s fine. It’s a relic of a time when you could just throw a saddle on a horse and call it a day. 🤠