Review of The Marshal of Mesa City

George O'Brien has put on a bit of weight since his glory days in "The Iron Horse" (1924) and "Lone Star Ranger" (1929), but he still makes an effective hero here -- even if he is forced to enlist the aid of smooth gunslinger Henry Brandon who almost steals the movie from him. Mind you, Leon Ames casts aside his usual father figure roles and he too has a fine time here as the villain, easily outwitting the good guys at every opportunity until... It's also good to see Harry Cording in an unusually meaty role. Virginia Vale makes a charming heroine, and all movie lovers will enjoy seeing Mary Gordon doing her usual stint as the garrulous landlady. Slim Whitaker is also hard to beat. Director David Howard has staged the movie at a nice, brisk pace, with his usual "A"-feature competence. All the action material is breathtakingly well staged, and the fiery climax is a real stunner! Available on an excellent Warner Archive DVD.