COLORADO SUNDOWN. Republic Pictures, 1952. Rex Allen , Koko, Mary Ellen Kay, Slim Pickens, June Vincent, Fred Graham, Louise Beavers. Director: William Witney.

   Brutality meets slapstick comedy in Colorado Sundown, a perfectly enjoyable if forgettable matinee Western starring Rex Allen and his horse Koko. Directed by William Witney, the film contains more than its fair share of well-choreographed fight scenes.

   But it’s also notable for its skillful inclusion of physical comedy, thanks in no small part to the presence of veteran character actor Slim Pickens. Similarly, the inclusion of talented African-American actress Louise Beavers in the cast helps make the film a little quirkier than what I had initially expected. Unfortunately, Beavers is relegated to portraying a servant, which makes some of the humor surrounding her character tremendously dated.

   The plot isn’t a terribly interesting or complicated one. Rex Allen gets caught in the middle of a feud between loggers and ranchers. The loggers, led by the cold-hearted Carrie Hurley (June Vincent) seeks to obtain a local ranch in order to gain access to the trees.

   Standing in their way are numerous obstacles, most prominently Jackie Reynolds (Mary Ellen Kay) who, along with Slim Pickens (portraying himself), has inherited a stake in the ranch. Hurley and her two brothers will go to great lengths, including murder, in order to advance their nefarious agenda.

   But no worry. Rex Allen is on the case and he’s determined to make sure justice is done. Not before he gets into a knockdown fistfight, complete with a bookshelf crashing down on the floor and blood on his face though. It’s a William Witney movie, you see.