Review of The Local Bad Man

I found this film to be quite entertaining. Especially appreciated were the varied locales, captured well in the camera angles and scene setups. Curving railroad tracks and rights of way, a nicely atmospheric and melodic barn dance, the old train depot with requisite telegraph office, a picturesque small and dusty old West village, on-board train action, hard-walled jail cells, and wide-view chases with horses and riders easily come to mind in fond recollection. The opening scene where the camera draws back from a closeup of Hoot's beaming face as he rides his horse through town is memorable. This is not a strongly comedic ride for Hoot this time, his humorous approaches pretty much under control, but his uniquely warm presence in combination with a good and plausible story assures this film is very satisfying.