Trigger Pals (1939) User Reviews

Grand National's trio western

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 16 May 2017]

It is obvious that poverty row Grand National studio was trying to put together a formula western trio to compete with Republic's Three Mesquiteers in Trigger Pals. Musical and nightclub singer Art Jarrett was teamed with Lee Powell and Al St.John for a trio that apparently there was no further demand for. Besides Grand National had Tex Ritter as a singing cowboy already.

But it was Mrs. Tex Ritter Dorothy Fay who appears in this film. She and Jarrett inherit a ranch where Jarrett was previously foreman that has been plagued by rustling. I don't think I have to elaborate further except that there is someone in the picture who wants to buy the ranch.

Nothing terribly original here. Jarrett has some nice notes, but has trouble fitting the cowboy hero mold. Al St.John and Nina Guilbert playing Fay's aunt have some funny moments.

Decent enough B western for those who like the genre.

Watch the pinto horse

[qatmom · 5/10 · 8 November 2012]

This is basic western entertainment for fans of the genre.

There are a few flourishes--the Secret Cave is a nice touch. The romance is played down, although with my jaded 2012 eyes there would seem to be more going on between the two main male characters who seem focused on each other. I know this was written this way to appeal to a very young male audience to whom girls were icky.

Weaving together telephones and cattle rustling seems like an anachronism, but the genre seems to be not very fussy about these things.

But watch the pinto horse! There is a scene where he is tethered by a shed...and almost immediately after he is seen tethered to a fence! He's in two places at once!