The Devil and Leroy Bassett

The three Bassett brothers - Leroy, Wilbur & Melvin - plot to break their Native American friend, Keema, out of police custody. Keema was arrested for killing a deputy and wounding Sheriff Trask and was in the process of being extradited out of Texas. Leroy is a God- fearing, Bible quoting lunatic played by John F. Goff. Goff is over- the-top in his rantings at times, but this was a very good performance. George "Buck" Flower plays the mostly-drunken Wilbur and James Ward plays the youngest brother, Melvin. The fact that Leroy's name is in the title of the film is somewhat misleading. The film is not about Leroy Bassett at all, it's about a revenge story surrounding Keema (Cody Bearpaw) and Sheriff Trask (Elliott Lindsey). Keema holds Trask responsible for the death of his wife, which led Keema to shoot the two police officers.

As far as the plot goes, more time could have been spent on the sheriff, as it would have helped the ending of the film and a decision made by Trask. Instead the story focuses on first the brothers and their plan, then the evading of the authorities by Keema and the brothers. This detracts from the story, but what story is told is still solid.

Director Robert E. Pearson has a low budget but he makes good use of locations. The story takes place in a rural setting and has a western feel to it, and the climax takes place in snow-covered hills in the mountains. It may not be stylish, but the camera-work and production are very good.

The Devil and Leroy Bassett has a few issues with story focus but is still a very good rural crime/revenge story. 7/10.