Kansas Pacific

This very appealing and simple railroad western is a Monogram Picture made in color and labeled 'An Allied Artists Film" to up-size its image. Other comments on this site will tell you the story and the history of the time and setting; I shall stick to my reaction. Basically filmed on a short distance of track at the back of some western lot, AA have succeeded in creating a suspenseful B grade chase western that allows for some very well staged train stunts and explosive set pieces. With a excellent music score matching the rousing action and photographed superbly in Cinecolor (I did not know this 'cheap' process was so beautiful) all clearly adds to the welcome comic book look and feel of this handsome railroad drama. Other excellent train chase films include NORTHWEST FRONTIER (1959) and THE GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE (1956) and recently: TV movie Young Indiana Jones And The Phantom Train Of Doom which in itself is almost an elaborate remake of Kansas Pacific but set in WW1..... and If you love Republic action pix in glorious Trucolor like I do, then find a tape of TIMBERJACK (1954) which has a fantastic contraption style logging train in peril, more Sterling Hayden and even a few songs by Hoagy Carmichael and (gulp) Vera Ralston - with tambourine! The Americana of Kansas Pacific and Timberjack make a excellent western train double feature if you are keen for some track work and explosions in your own lounge room. Fun to watch with Nephews and pre-teens whilst babysitting....like I did. So easy to enjoy. Wait 'till you see the cannon battle with the carriages blasted off the tracks! Well done!