Michael_Elliott Bells of Rosarita (1945) *** (out of 4) A rather original Western has Roy Rogers and Republic Pictures in a small town filming a movie when he gets involved with a young woman (Dale Evans) who is about to lose her property due to a bad debt of her dead father. It turns out that the father actually paid the debt but there's just no proof so Roy comes to the rescue with a bunch of other Republic cowboys (Don Berry, Bill Elliott, Bob Livingston, Sunset Carson, Allan Lane). Say what you want about the "B" Westerns but I think even the most jaded people would have to give this film credit for at least being original and fun. The entire set-up of the movie production added a real twist to an already familiar story and it took this movie to a new level. Had the film simply told the story of a pretty girl being cheated out of her land then that's really nothing new. Added to the story of a movie studio and real actors coming to the rescue was a neat little trick and really sealed the deal. I thought there were some funny moments where the film takes shots at movies, cowboy stars and that type of thing and we even get a funny joke aimed at John Wayne. As you'd expect, Rogers fits his role just fine and comes across very charming during the more tender scenes but also a real action star during the fights. He gets to sing several tunes including the title track, the catchy "I'm Going to Build a Big Fence Around Texas," and a highly entertaining sequence when we get "When the Circus Comes to Town." Evans, as usual, makes for a good lead lady and we get some nice support from the one and only Gabby Hayes. The other Republic cowboy stars just make cameos but it's nice seeing everyone together and it certainly adds to the film. BELLS OF ROSARITA isn't a John Ford masterpiece but it's quite fun with a good story, fun songs and some nice action.

Mike-764 Sue Farnum is in danger of losing her recently inherited circus, so she has a friend Slim Philips come out west with her (along w/ his daughter Patty) to see what can be done. While out west, the group encounters Roy filming his latest movie, and when Roy discovers the plight of Sue, he helps by staging a circus show w/ Republic's biggest B western names (Bill Elliott, Allan Lane, Sunset Carson, Don Barry, and Robert Livingston. John Wayne was out of town). The biggest obstacle is Ripley, Farnum's partner in the circus, who is trying to claim the circus as his own by trying to destroy a receipt that Farnum paid off his share of the circus, even kidnapping Philips to get it. Roy and the gang go to save the day before the show must get on. This B western has everything a fan can want from the genre: Action, Thrills, Humor, Singing, and done so well. Every performer is at the top of their game and it shows, as well as script, directing, and score. Favorite moments for me are the "funeral procession" as well as Roy Barcroft commenting on the crooks hanging around. Rating, based on B westerns, 10.

revran This Roy Rogers film has everything we love about the genre. Co-starring Trigger, Gabby Hayes, Dale Evans, Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers. It carries the bonus of guest appearances of Wild Bill Elliott, Allan Lane, Don 'Red' Barry, Robert Livingston and Sunset Carson. The action with the good guys riding after the bad guys and realizing they are firing blanks is a great touch. The Robert Mitchell Boys Choir is terrific and blend their voices with Roy! You will really enjoy the scene featuring the rodeo/circus parade which Sheriff has said is not allowed. Our family rates this one in the top five of Roy's films. Hope you enjoy it too! Happy Trails! -Revran

Snow Leopard This is a very good Roy Rogers feature, perhaps among the best of his many B-Westerns. It is, as usual, primarily light entertainment, with a lot of humor and music, and this time there is some clever irony deriving from the setting - Roy plays himself, acting in a cowboy feature and at the same time getting involved in a situation that in some respects parallels his film. Dale Evans and Gabby Hayes complete the picture, and there are short appearances by several other Western stars of the era.The story starts with Dale and Gabby heading west to try to save a circus that belonged to the father of Dale's character, while the unscrupulous Ripley (Grant Withers) has plans to take it over himself by any means necessary. As soon as Dale and Gabby arrive, they find themselves mixed up in a scene from the movie (whose title is also "Bells of Rosarita") that Roy and Bob Nolan are shooting. It's a funny scene, and cleverly done, and it sets up the story that follows as well as establishing the connection between film and reality. Most of the actual plot is not to be taken too seriously - the villains are, as usual, pretty incompetent - but it has a very pleasant tone, and a pretty good variety of action and entertainment.This is very good for a B-Western, and certainly recommended for any fan of Roy Rogers or for those who like Westerns of the era.