Flashing Guns

About This Movie

Flashing Guns is one of those mid-century westerns that sort of drifts along, not doing anything particularly groundbreaking, but still delivering a solid watch. Johnny Mack Brown steps into the boots of a hero trying to rescue his friend Shelby from the clutches of a crooked banker, which is a familiar trope. The pacing has that classic 1940s rhythm—slow build with some bursts of action. The performances are decent, especially Raymond Hatton as the beleaguered friend. And there's something about the practical effects and set designs that really root it in that era. It’s not a standout in terms of story, but the atmosphere is very much of its time, creating a sort of cozy nostalgia that some collectors appreciate.

Not a standout entry in Brown's series · Familiar themes of friendship and corruption · Typical pacing for a 1940s western