At one time Sunset Carson was one of Republic Pictures stable of cowboy heroes. He went off on his own to films independently and that seems to have been a big mistake if Sunset Carson Rides Again is an example.Other than it being done in color this one was a real cheapie with a rather silly plot that would have us believe that a fatally shot man wrote a letter while dying naming his murderer. Worse than that, he wrote an earlier letter that alluded to the fact that Carson was the one who did the foul deed. What Sunset has on his mind was raising funds for a new school house and toward that end he's putting on a prize fight. But his partner John Cason has in mind to steal the funds raised and a horse being put up for the prize. He cripples the fighter Carson brought in and young Al Terry who has the mistaken grudge against Sunset substitutes because he boxed some in college.I'm sure Terry fought someone in his weight class as Cason makes chopped liver of him in the ring. That was truly rather stupid.The whole thing is a shoddy mess and I hope the others of Carsons post Republic films aren't as bad.

The color format could have been good for bonus points but alas, the story is fairly typical for a B Western that almost tries to cram in too many plot elements for it's own good. Sunset Carson is intent on raising money to build a school for the local kids (funny, there wasn't one to be found throughout the story), while Eastern dude Bob Ward (Al Terry) has it in for Sunset for killing his father. Part of Sunset's fund raising plan was to promote a boxing match against Slugger Appolodamus (Bill Vall), but when the Slugger gets roughed up by henchman Murdock (Stephen Keyes), he trains young Ward to take his place.I got a kick out of Sunset's appearance when he entered the bunkhouse after saving Ward from a poisoned spring on the trail. He was so tall compared to the other players that his head was out of the frame. Shorty McDuff (Joe Hiser) sure lived up to his name as he almost looked like a midget next to the towering Carson. Earlier, when Sunset hoisted Ward over his shoulder for the ride back home, he mounted his horse without the slightest strain, which gives you a pretty good idea how strong he had to be to pull that off.On the flip side though, Carson exhibited a rather awkward fighting style each time he took up with the fisticuffs himself. His punches were generally wild and not well choreographed, seemingly out of character with someone who otherwise seemed athletic enough. Even so, I didn't understand why he didn't take part in the boxing match he promoted since he was the star of the show.Of course this won't be the first (or last) time you'll see the hero set up for robbing the locals, as chief villain Sam Webster (Bob Cason) sends his boys to waylay Sunset on the trail. Sunset's eventually cleared by a second letter Bob Ward has from his father, the first one implicating Carson in the elder Ward's murder. That whole business with the letters was just too clumsily written and managed to bother me throughout the story. Even with his instructions, why wouldn't Ward just open the second letter right away? It would have saved him a lot of grief.

Ole Sunset Carson! The story opens as his acting coach rides into the sunset, shrugging his shoulders and mumbling, "I give up." To his credit, Carson looks good atop a horse. It's when he hits the ground and 'recites' his lines when things get rough.The 6'4" - er - actor stars in the color extravaganza along with a host of veteran performers who, in a way, acquit themselves fairly well. Best of 'em is co-star Al Terr, a New Yorker who probably learned to ride in Central Park. He is a Farley Granger lookalike.John Cason, the resident meanie, has been in many films and teevee shows, and the lovely Pat Starling has also been around. She had worked before with Sunset. She is a vision with a lovely voice and, speaking of music, the Rodeo Revelers provided the movie's highlight with some really good offerings.A big minus were the fight scenes. Very poor choreography. Guys are knocked down and out, and opponents responsible look like they're striking the air. There was a boxing scene involving Terr and Cason, however, that was well staged.Finally! I was prepared to thoroughly dislike the movie, a cheapie to end all cheapies, but as it went along I found it somewhat enjoyable - well - tolerable. I said tolerable not terrible.

A staggeringly corny work made with a miniscule budget, this is one of four westerns produced by deservedly little-known Yucca Pictures, and features glyphic Sunset Carson playing himself in his customary fashion, i.e., a discomposed delivery of dialogue when not sitting atop a horse - which he does with surety - the plot presenting Al Terry as Bob Ward (listed as Wade in the titular credits) seeking to avenge the murder of his father, apparently the work of the eponymous hero. Filmed in colour, uncommon for the period and genre, the movie is cumbered by pitiable production values, as well as possibly the most embarrassingly poor stunt work to be found in a professional effort, yet includes in its cast some capable character actors, including a winsome Pat Starling whose clear soprano graces a duet with Terry, and a viewer must be glad indeed that several musical novelty numbers are presented featuring gifted fiddler Buddy McDowell.