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Sunset Range
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Wikipedia article
'Sunset Range' is a 1935 American Western film directed by Ray McCarey and starring Hoot Gibson. The film received a mostly positive reception, with praise for Gibson's acting and delivery of humor in what was his first western film in two years.
The film was regarded by some as being the "high point" in the filmmaking activity of the First Division Pictures studio, alongside another western, 'Rainbow's End', in the same year.
Plot
The story starts in New York City before the westerners, led by Reasonin' Bates, travel to Arizona to outsmart gangsters in the east. The plot revolves around Bonnie, who gets involved in a case of kidnap and unknowingly hides ransom money. The ranch she owns is managed by Bates, who saves both her and the ransom money from the villain Grant.
Cast
Casting
Gibson was cast in the leading role of Reasonin' Bates in what was his first western film in two years and the first since he had signed for First Division Pictures. The role was a departure from his usual western films, instead acting in a story with comedy and drama which was described as being one of his best performances. Gibson, who was a stunt performer in films prior to starring in westerns, performed "many feats of daring" in the film.
The villain Grant was played by Walter McGrail, who was well known in that type of character role in many previous western movies.
Reception
The 'Sydney Morning Herald' noted that despite the film's "exciting opening", the film became "leisurely" and described the acting, dialogue and humor as "feeble". The 'Intelligencer Journal' offered a more positive review of the film, suggesting that it "will satisfy every theatregoer with entertainment and thrills", noting that the film had much comedy and dramatic situations which made for excitement. A positive assessment was also given by 'The News and Observer', suggesting that the film was "one of the finest westerns ever made" which was packed with "fast action, fast shooting and hard riding from beginning to end". The 'Reading Times' had considerably praise for Gibson's performance, noting it was one of his best and that he proves himself as being an excellent rider with his handling of comedy and drama. The 'Casper Star-Tribune' also praised the film, remarking that the film takes the audience "back to the real days of motion pictures", with praise for Gibson's delivery of humor and noting that he "has never been better than he appears in 'Sunset Range'".
References
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