Monogram Pictures cranked out a number of good westerns. "Stage to Blue River" is one of those. It is lean, non-padded and moves along at a good pace with plenty of shootin' and action. The linear script is OK and uncomplicated, concerning movement of mail and passengers by stagecoach. Star Whip Wilson's whip is not used for show- only to advance the scenes.
Whip Wilson was a straight-ahead, no nonsense western actor who looks like he could throw a punch in real life (although punches in Hollywood fights always look staged, he manages to include at least one impressive right in each of his movies). Phyllis Coates was one of the best western leading ladies and in addition to being very attractive she displays effective strength and determination in all her roles. The sidekick in this film is more subdued than most and mainly is used within the plot rather than as comedy padding.
"Stage to Blue River" is a no-gimmick, focused western movie that is well done all around.
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