Watch The Sombrero Kid

The Sombrero Kid is a classic Western movie released in 1942 directed by George Sherman and produced by William Berke. The movie tells the story of a young boy named Tomás Osorio, who witnesses the brutal murder of his mother and father at the hands of vicious outlaws. Forced to flee his hometown and face an uncertain future, Tomás finds solace in a sombrero that once belonged to his father, which he constantly wears as a reminder of his heritage.

Years later, Tomás, now a grown man played by Don "Red" Barry, becomes known as The Sombrero Kid, as he rides through the Wild West seeking justice for his family's death. He comes across a small town with its share of problems: a gang of outlaws has been terrorizing the citizens, and the local sheriff (played by Robert Homans) seems powerless to stop them.

As Tomás tries to help the sheriff clean up the town, he meets Helen Baxter (Lynn Merrick), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy rancher who is seemingly caught in the middle of the conflict between the outlaws and the townspeople. Despite their initial tensions, Tomás and Helen find themselves drawn to each other, and their relationship blossoms as they work together to save the town from its criminals.

The Sombrero Kid is a classic Western that features all the traditional genre elements: shootouts, horse chases, and barroom brawls. However, what makes this movie stand out is the way it portrays the main character's personal story arcs: through Tomás, we witness the pain and anguish that comes with losing one's family and becoming a loner in a hostile world. His emotional journey is complemented by his unyielding determination to bring justice to the guilty and his unshakeable pride in his heritage, represented by the sombrero he wears.

The movie also has excellent performances by its lead actors. Don "Red" Barry brings a mix of ruggedness and sensitivity to his role as the avenger, making Tomás a likable and relatable protagonist. Lynn Merrick, who plays Helen, brings a feisty and independent spirit to her character, challenging the Western genre's typical portrayal of the passive heroine waiting to be rescued.

Robert Homans, who plays the sheriff, provides comic relief, bringing a light touch to the serious issues the film explores. His character is the epitome of the hapless lawman, but he eventually realizes the town needs help from Tomás to overcome the outlaws.

While The Sombrero Kid is not without its flaws, such as predictable plot turns and some wooden supporting actors, its entertainment value is undeniable. It's an exciting and well-crafted Western with a strong emotional core, making it a must-see for fans of the genre. Its exploration of issues of justice, family, heritage, and the Wild West's changing times make it a valuable artifact of its era, and it remains a classic example of the Western genre's enduring appeal.

The Sombrero Kid is a 2007 western with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.