Movie spotlight
Buffalo Bill Rides Again
Produced by Jack Schwartz for low-budget company Screen Guild, this mild Western starring the veteran Richard Arlen was apparently the first entry in a proposed series. Arlen played the title role, here assigned by the army to quell an Indian attack on the powerless settlers. The Indians are accusing Tom Russell (John Dexter) of murdering a member of the tribe, an act, as Buffalo Bill discovers, actually committed by a gang of outlaws hired by investment company owner J.B. Jordon (Frank O'Connor). Buffalo Bill Rides Again was soundly defeated by a low budget and slipshod direction by the veteran Bernard B. Ray. Popular B-Western villain Ted Adams disappeared mysteriously halfway through the film, only to be replaced by Edmund Cobb. Jennifer Holt, the daughter of Arlen contemporary Jack Holt and by far the busiest B-Western heroine of the 1940s, had little to do other than letting herself be kidnapped by evil Gil Patric.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this classic Western, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, a legendary figure, is impersonated by a look-alike named Rocky. Rocky gets involved in a dangerous situation when he tries to help a group of settlers who are being exploited by a ruthless rancher. With the help of his loyal companions, Rocky must confront the villains and restore justice to the frontier.
Critical Reception
While "Buffalo Bill Rides Again" was a typical Saturday matinee Western of its era, it offered straightforward action and familiar archetypes that appealed to its target audience. It is generally considered a competent, albeit unexceptional, entry in the genre, notable for featuring the iconic Roy Rogers.
What Reviewers Say
A straightforward Western with a familiar plot.
Roy Rogers delivers a standard, crowd-pleasing performance.
Offers predictable action suitable for younger audiences.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this film is not readily available through standard Google user review metrics.
Fun Fact
The film is notable for featuring the legendary Western star Roy Rogers in a role inspired by the historical figure Buffalo Bill Cody, though it is not a biographical account of his life.
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