Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Ride 'Em Cowboy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 23, 2019

Western novelist Bronco Bob (Dick Foran) is no cowboy at all, with his city slicker origins threatened with exposure after an accident at a rodeo leaves cowgirl Anne (Anne Gwynne) injured. Trying to make it up to the young woman, Bob follows Anne to her family’s Arizona dude ranch, with hopes to receive an education on the ways of being a real cowboy. Hapless rodeo vendors, Willoughby (Lou Costello) and Duke (Bud Abbott) also make their way to the ranch, hoping to become part of the crew, but their dreams are challenged by a local Native American tribe, with the chief looking to marry his daughter to Willoughby after he accidentally shoots an arrow into her tepee.

Abbott and Costello try a change of pace with “Ride ‘Em Cowboy,” which brings the duo into contact with western formula without the burden of making a period piece. There’s a compelling A-story with the saga of Bronco Bob and his identity crisis, enjoying the perks of literary world fame without actually participating in the cowboy life. Bob’s arc of enlightenment and guilt carries half of “Ride ‘Em Cowboy,” making a connection with Anne along the way. Willoughby and Duke handle the more frantic side of the movie, finding the pair managing Native American pursuit, which has its creative limitations. More entertaining is the chance to watch Costello deal with life on the ranch, trying to be a big shot at a swimming pool and confront the difficulties of milking a cow.

Ride 'Em Cowboy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a rougher source, finding wear and tear carrying throughout the viewing event, with light scratches and speckling common. Delineation is acceptable. Detail comes through reasonably well, enjoying the differences in costuming, with western gear maintaining fibrous qualities. Locations are dimensional and occasionally packed with background performers, providing their activity with moderate clarity. Skin surfaces are softer, though sweaty antics are appreciable, along with makeup designs.

Ride 'Em Cowboy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix captures the essentials of the "Ride 'Em Cowboy" listening experience, though hiss is present throughout the track. Dialogue exchanges are satisfactory, identifying dramatic interplay and comedic exaggeration, with a few fuzzy highs found. Scoring is comfortable, with passable instrumentation. Musical numbers are appealing, with defined vocals. Sound effects support western mayhem, finding gunshots and runaway vehicles present.

Ride 'Em Cowboy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features James L. Neibaur.

• Commentary #2 features Scott Allen Nollen.

• Image Gallery (6:21) collects film stills, publicity shots, poster art, lobby cards, and sheet music covers.

• Production Notes (1:25) share information on the making of "Ride 'Em Cowboy."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:06, SD) is included.

Ride 'Em Cowboy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Ride 'Em Cowboy" has a few highlights, including the screen debut of Ella Fitzgerald, who pops up in a supporting role, also contributing a few numbers to sustain the musical mood. The movie certainly knows how to conclude as well, with the production mounting an incredible chase sequence that drives Willoughby and Duke all over the southland, while Bob delivers a bit of rough-and-ready cowboy action to satisfy genre fans.