But when he flies, it's with the gallop of a thunderbird. This filmed version of an O. Henry short story is above average for a B Western, one that might have been an A for its studio, Columbia, considering its length, but forgotten because of the lack of star power. William Bishop is heading towards California by freight train, and somehow ends up taking off with the pedigree titled horse, a beautiful animal with the shiniest coat and an instant rapport with him.
He ends up on the ranch of Virginia Patton and is framed for a murder that Black Eagle witnessed. They may not be able to talk, but I guess horses are very able to testify against killers which is why the killer wants Bishop and Black Eagle dead. Lots of action keeps this western adventure moving. A lot of surprises along the way as well, and a conclusion I didn't see coming. At least Black Eagle spared the community the price of a trial and money to keep the culprit fed in the pokey. The best scene is an ironic one at the end when Bishop tries to tell two hobo pals on the train at the end what he's been through, and realizing that it doesn't make sense, it says "You'd never believe it."
He ends up on the ranch of Virginia Patton and is framed for a murder that Black Eagle witnessed. They may not be able to talk, but I guess horses are very able to testify against killers which is why the killer wants Bishop and Black Eagle dead. Lots of action keeps this western adventure moving. A lot of surprises along the way as well, and a conclusion I didn't see coming. At least Black Eagle spared the community the price of a trial and money to keep the culprit fed in the pokey. The best scene is an ironic one at the end when Bishop tries to tell two hobo pals on the train at the end what he's been through, and realizing that it doesn't make sense, it says "You'd never believe it."
