Bordering on the Normal
After a couple of his friends are murdered Jim (Harry Carey) is framed for their death and is sent to jail. But after busting out Jim sets about finding who the real killer was and his attention is on a gang lead by a man only known as the General (Tetsu Komai). But after trying to join the gang with the help of his friend 'Dude' Saunders (George 'Gabby' Hayes) Jim is given the condition that he must kill his friend to prove he is worthy.
"Border Devils" once again sees Harry Carey in a lead western role and once again sadly suffers because Carey has such a nice guy persona that it is hard to be convinced during moments or ruthlessness. And once again "Border Devils" is just a typical western from the 1930's where we end up with Jim a fugitive from the law, trying to get to the bottom of who set him up for murder. Being an early western there is plenty of horse riding and some confrontations but not a great deal of action oh and of course a woman for our hero to end up involved with. It is so typical that George 'Gabby' Hayes shocks up in the sidekick role again.
But "Border Devils" has one thing which stands out and that is when it comes to the bad guy being an oriental. It is not just the fact the bad guy is not just another American businessman but the evil General has a big plan which slowly evolves over the course of the movie and for the most we only ever see the General's sinister looking shadow. It is a choice which at least makes "Border Devils" a little bit interesting.
What this all boils down to is that "Border Devils" has an interesting idea or two especially when it comes to the casting but for the most is just another one of those long forgotten westerns from the 1930s which might now appeal to western aficionados.