Grade: D+
Synopsis: The Three Mesquiteers (John Wayne, Ray Corrigan, and Max Terhune) thwart bus, train and airplane hijackers.
The Three Mesquiteers were supposed to be like a cowboy version of the Three Musketeers, set only in the old west. Except they’re not in the old west. There’s a bus and a couple of airplanes, one of which looks very modern, so maybe it’s the not so old west. They’re not very clear.
Either way, the film is weak. The addition of costars Ray Corrigan and Max Terhune only serves to detract from Wayne who had, by this time, proven himself capable of carrying a picture of this type, and the great fights and stunts, so prevalent in many of Wayne’s early westerns, just don’t shine through here. At only 55 minutes, Overland Stage Raiders still drags.
The only real high note is the casting of Louise Brooks as Wayne’s romantic lead. This would be the iconic actress’s final film, and the first time Wayne’s female costar could hold the screen with him.
Bottom Line: As a curiosity, it’s worth a look for Wayne and Brooks fans, but others should look elsewhere.
