THE TEXAS RANGERS (1936)

Early Fred MacMurray western finds Fred along with buddies Lloyd Nolan and Jack Oakie as outlaws.  Times get tough and after a close scrape with the law they get split up and MacMurray and Oakie get so hungry they sign up for the Texas Rangers with no intention of ever putting in an honest days work.  Naturally though once they see how caring and selfless the Rangers actually are their hard hearts thaw out and they fight for the side of good.  Unfortunately their old friend Nolan has, during this time, become the most notorious outlaw in the land.

I really didn't have that high of hopes for THE TEXAS RANGERS, but I ended up enjoying it thoroughly and watch parts of it twice.  I especially liked seeing MacMurray and Nolan in sinister roles.  The comedic antics of Oakie got a little tiring, but it wasn't too bad.  All in all THE TEXAS RANGERS is a pretty good mid-30's western.  Not a classic by any means, but a good solid and entertaining film.  Quick pace, good story, strong supporting cast (including Edward Ellis, Jean Parker, Charles Middleton and George Hayes), nice scenery, exciting action scenes.  Recommended.