Texas to Bataan

Texas to Bataan is an enthralling, action-packed Western from 1942, directed by Robert Emmett Tansey and starring the iconic range busters: John 'Dusty' King, David Sharpe, and Max Terhune. The film is the eleventh entry in Monogram Pictures' 24-film Range Busters series and is a potent mix of the traditional cowboy genre with topical war elements, designed to thrill viewers and evoke a sense of patriotic duty during the challenging years of World War II.

The plot sees the three celebrated range busters—Dusty King (John 'Dusty' King), Tucson Smith (David Sharpe), and Alibi Terhune (Max Terhune)—operating a horse ranch in the Texas panhandle. Dusty, Tucson, and Alibi are not your run-of-the-mill cowboys but troubleshooters who step in when law enforcement needs help solving challenging cases or when dire circumstances require their unique blend of skills. Whether it’s working cattle or tracking down outlaws, the range busters use their skills both in the wild west and, surprisingly, across the Pacific in the Philippines.

The plot thickens when the trio is approached by a group of Filipino patriots led by Don Miguel (Frank Lackteen), who urgently need to purchase horses to help in the resistance against Japanese invasion in the Philippines. The range busters, eager to aid the Allied cause, provide their best horses. However, their noble intentions are impeded by an unscrupulous horse dealer, crooked Sheriff Dade (John Elliott), who wants to sabotage the sales and aid the enemy for his selfish gains.

A considerable portion of the film focuses on the narrative of the range busters unmasking the sinister plans of Sheriff Dade and his accomplices. The narrative is replete with fast-paced horse chases, shooting showdowns, and elements of subterfuge, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats. Throughout, the trio maintains their charm and smooth-talking banter, providing a dose of comedy amongst the thrilling action sequences.

The characterization of Dusty enables King to showcase his acting chops brilliantly, combining self-assured cowboy charm with patriotic resilience. David Sharpe, renowned for his acrobatic skills, shines as Tucson with his action-oriented prowess adding another exciting dimension. Veteran entertainer Max Terhune, as Alibi, brings both humor and drama to the screen, manifesting a captivating dynamic among the trio.

This adventure-laden narrative across the Pacific constitutes a creative merging of the Western and War genres. Influenced by the current events of the time, Texas to Bataan ventures overseas, incorporating the war into its plotline to stimulate patriotic fervor in the midst of World War II. It's a commendable tribute to the Range Busters series, known for its unique blend of old west themes with contemporary issues.

The cinematography, though limited technically by the time's standards, does a commendable job of capturing both the wild terrains of Texas and the imagined landscapes of the Philippines. The film's production design impressively balances the cowboy ambiance of Texas and the Filipino culture, while also incorporating an underlying war theme.

In conclusion, Texas to Bataan is a thrilling and action-packed blend of the Eastern and Western styles of cinema. It flawlessly integrates the cowboy spirit of the range busters with the zest and urgency of a war story, making it a pleasantly surprising and enjoyable narrative. For fans of the iconic Range Busters series and admirers of war-oriented films, this adventurous Western from 1942 offers a unique viewing experience. This film definitely has its place in cinematic history, blending genre, topical events, and great storytelling to keep viewers engaged from start to finish.