Trigger Pals

Trigger Pals is a classic Western adventure film released in 1939, showcasing old Hollywood's penchant for the exploration of frontier life. Starring notable actors of the era Arthur Jarrett, Lee Powell, and Al St. John, the film is a delightful blend of action, adventure, and drama draped in the riveting backdrop of the Wild West.

The film centres on three main characters - Arthur Jarrett as Bill, Lee Powell as Lucky, and Al St. John as Grubby - who are deemed the 'Trigger Pals'. Bill, an easygoing musician, pairs up with cowboy Lucky and his comical sidekick Grubby to embark on a path riddled with challenge and gallant action.

A central plot point of the movie concerns a gold mine that irrefutably becomes a source of conflict. Ne'er-do-wells covet the mine, with their malicious plans to seize the valuable property. However, it is up to Bill, Lucky, and Grubby, aka the Trigger Pals, to prevent this from happening. The three friends are drawn together and voluntarily plunged into the frenzied gold rush of the era, vowing to protect the mine from the greedy claim jumpers.

Arthur Jarrett, who was primarily known for his singing, adds charm to his character Bill, making the film engaging with his entertaining musical numbers. His character is shown to be a multicapable man who does not shy away from danger and yet has the skills of an artist. There is a distinct enough character arc seen in Bill from a carefree musician to a gallant hero that attracts compassion from the audience.

On the other hand, popular film cowboy Lee Powell's character, Lucky, brilliantly shares chemistry with the other two leads, manning the helm with his classic, assertive cowboy charisma. Al St. John, as Grubby, brings comic relief to the plot, making Trigger Pals not just an action-packed adventure, but also a humorous tale. His unmissable and entertaining antics crosswordly blend the storyline with humour and fun.

The cinematography and production value mirror the vibrancy of the era. It captures the vast and untamed frontier lifestyle, and the audience is transported into the times when prospectors and outlaws coexisted. The rugged charm of the Wild West is nostalgically portrayed. The wardrobe of the actors, the set and locations, the choices of horses, and the cowboy gear, everything stays true to the period, enhancing the authenticity of the film experience.

With its well-paced narrative, Trigger Pals successfully maintains a balance between suspense and humour, making it an engaging film throughout. It has moments of heart-racing gunfights and chase sequences, all the while keeping the tone light-hearted and the camaraderie between the trio intact. The film proves to be an all-round entertainment package that goes beyond mindless action.

As a film made in 1939, in a period where sound films were in their golden age, Trigger Pals suitable applies the technological advancement of the time. The film has an underlying soundtrack that gives room for the raw ambience of the Wild West, the ricocheting bullets, the sound of galloping horses, and the audience groans in a local pub, all add to the auditory experience. The occasional songs by Arthur Jarrett add a fresh twist to the raw and rustic tone of the film.

The acting performances are robust, and each character is well fleshed out. They have their own moments of glory, and their powers enhance the overall appeal of the plot. With a run time of just over an hour, the film does not let the audience's attention wane.

In summary, Trigger Pals offers an entertaining glimpse into the Wild West, with its trio of unlikely heroes representing different facets of the old frontier - the cowboy, the musician, and the comic relief sidekick. It proves to be an hour filled with gunslinging action, melodious tunes, humour, camaraderie, and a feel of the untamed West. It's a film that, despite its age, is a delightful plunge into nostalgia with its classic Western appeal and age-old tale of friendship and heroism.