I agree completely that Beery's westerns deserve reassessment. All reviews are, of course, subjective so w/ that said, I stand up and cheer for this movie. It may be "formula" but that don't mean it's just another western (didn't I hear somewhere that there are really only seven basic plots anyway?).. Beery as a western hero is like no other: big, brawling, boozing, foolish, canny, tougher than leather, dedicated, out for himself, loyal to his friends, don't ever mistreat the weak in his presence, funny as hell, and, you know it, mighty darn good with a gun. And Leo Carrillo is the perfect partner/sidekick. Yeah, the plot focus could've easily been gold or silver, or even oil--happens to be borax in Death Valley and Beery & Carrillo are muleskinners. It's how the story is told. This movie's a humdinger. BEERY's WESTERNS DESERVE TO BE ON DVD! Oh yes--and Tugboat Annie, Min and Bill, Stablemates, Hell Divers........
Review of 20 Mule Team
