Empty Saddles

This enormously entertaining B western, combines sentimentality, mysticism, humor and interesting casting and acting as Buck buys a haunted ranch and turns it into a Dude ranch.

The strong story is supported by a likable cast, including silent comedian Gertrude Astor in a funny turn as a society lady who thinks the entire scene too too romantic, and a surprisingly strong Louise Brooks in a near-the-end role and some excellent musical backing.

Although her appearance in two late silent German movies made Miss Brooks an interesting star and her memoirs of the Hollywood scene made her important, in truth she rarely gave strong, animated performances. Although the camera loved her, she sleep-walked through most of her roles and was miscast in others. Her blank affect in most silent movies made it impossible for the audience to gain anything from her performances. Indeed, it was this blankness that the Europeans used to produce characters ruled by chaotic circumstances in a crazed world. However, in most of her movies, when called upon to act, she did not. This movie, surprisingly, is different. However, it was too late to save her career.

But here, everyone works. This what a Saturday afternoon oater should be and all too rarely was.