Singing cowboy sensation Tex Ritter is winsome and strapping as ever in Gangsters of the Frontier. Since the film was made in 1944, it was intended to function as a World War II morale booster as well as an Old West adventure. This provides all sorts of nifty parallels to watch out for: like women being deputized in the spirit of women contributing to the war effort, as well as Ritter’s inspirational speeches about freedom. Gangsters of the Frontier has a lot going for it: a great cast, beautiful songs, and political underpinnings. But additionally, it doesn’t fail as a explosive shoot ‘em up good time.
