Pioneer Justice (DVD)

For its purpose, 'Pioneer Justice' serves well. It's a fast-moving, action-crammed film which, though lacking in finesse, will keep the kiddies on the edge of their seats. Scripting, thesping and production are strictly coin-savin' standard but there's no stinting on the gunfighting, hoof-beating or knuckle-scraping. Yarn revolves around efforts of 'Lash' La Rue and his crusty sidekick, Al St. John, to track down the leader of a group of varmints trying to drive the law-abiding ranchers out of the far west. Mild suggestion of romance is injected when Jennifer Holt becomes the gang's target. La Rue punches, shoots and whiplashes straight to the mark and collars a madman who fashions himself a Napoleon with spurs on. La Rue, handling a long whip in Mark of Zorro style, makes for a tough-looking, straight-talking cowboy hero who should appeal to the junior-age fans. St. John is okay as the comedy support although not given much to do. Miss Holt is a nice looker and turns in a pleasant performance. Rest of the cast grimace their way through stock parts. (Variety, July 2, 1947)