The Three Mesquiteers

(March 1937): As the first in a series of new horse operas, Republic has done a pretty fair job with ‘The Three Mesquiteers’, a picture that seems likely to please nabe audiences. If the succeeding episodes of the cowboy cycle pack as much action, plus laughs, as this one, they will do all right. Bob Livingston, Ray Corrigan, and Syd Saylor are a personable trio of mesquiteers in this rough riding tale of cowpunchers and ex-servicemen vying with nefarious ranchers in the west. Veterans, discharged from a military hospital after the World War, journey to the plains as homesteaders. They meet unscrupulous opposition from cattlemen, but Livingston and Corrigan, local cowboys, help them combat the baddies. This pair, together with Saylor, who rides the range on a motorcycle, form a quick-shooting partnership that outwits the enemy at every turn.

A dash of romance is provided by having Livingston fall in love with the sister of one of the vets and the film is swiftly paced without being overburdened with originality. Livingston and Corrigan are handsomely heroic enough to delight the femme fans, and Saylor is an okay foil, with comic style that clicks. At times he suggests Leon Errol. Kay Hughes is nice as the girl, and the veteran, JP McGowan, is an effective heavy.

Ray Taylor has directed the picture with plenty of pace, with the usual fight and chase sequences in the western tradition. Final fadeout reveals the three mesquiteers riding off in search of new adventure, setting the scene for other films in the series of eight. Camera work is good, but lighting and sound could be easily improved. Recording of an interpolated song leaves much to be desired.

(September 12, 1936): A novelly compounded outdoor action picture, this picture stacks up as satisfactory entertainment for houses specializing in this type of film. Fast moving, dialogue and action well balanced to provide engaging situations. There is plenty of excitement, stimulating material, sufficient uniquely contrived romantic love interest and more than usual amount of comedy. First in a new series, it has been given better than average production support and acted with enthusiasm and spirit that promises popularity for this and forthcoming followups. Most of the standby elements common to action western entertainment are presented in convincing fashion, while much that is fresh, particularly comedy, has been incorporated.

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