Yet another fine John Wayne western. He is considered the king of the genre for a reason, after all. At this point (1944) his screen persona is well defined, and he plays it perfectly here. The tough guy, self-sufficient, with morals and occasionally a sensitive moment. That moment when, unarmed, he is driven away from the poker table by a card sharp, only to return a moment later, wearing his revolver... he is absolutely convincing as someone not to be messed with.
It has many of the elements to be expected of these movies, like the comic, trustworthy sidekick (George "Gabby" Hayes), but I found the movie quite enjoyable and different enough from other westerns, with its mystery and suspense element, and the romantic triangle with Wayne, a traditionally sweet young woman (Audrey Long) and a fiery ranch owner (Ella Raines), who occasionally steals the show in a convincing "strong woman" role.
Perhaps the mystery is a bit convoluted, but the script is fast-paced and well-written, and it goes slightly beyond other solid western of that era.
It has many of the elements to be expected of these movies, like the comic, trustworthy sidekick (George "Gabby" Hayes), but I found the movie quite enjoyable and different enough from other westerns, with its mystery and suspense element, and the romantic triangle with Wayne, a traditionally sweet young woman (Audrey Long) and a fiery ranch owner (Ella Raines), who occasionally steals the show in a convincing "strong woman" role.
Perhaps the mystery is a bit convoluted, but the script is fast-paced and well-written, and it goes slightly beyond other solid western of that era.