This was a step above most low budget "Pulp Westerns" It is surprisingly well written for this type of Western. Joseph Kane's directing shows a genuine command for the western. James Edward Grant successfully weaves a yarn that is a good mix of action and character banter, Forest Tucker stars and is Very believable as the handsome leading Man, Mike Prescott. Jim Davis is wooden as Linc" Corey especially during the scene where he woos Adele Mara's Bess. Davis is a very believable and effective villain. He's much more at ease in the saddle and in the action scenes. Charles Kemper as the humorous Sheriff Willy steals the movie. He was very an effective foil to some of the violence good comic relief. All in all California Passage was nice ride into the Old West.