This Western is close to the epitome of taking real historical figures and coming up with an entirely fictional story about them. While it's true that Bat, Wyatt, and Doc would have known each other in real life, there's nothing to suggest they would have teamed up in this kind of adventure. But it was no secret that Hollywood used their names along with a host of others to bring in the fans, so if you get beyond that, you at least have yourself a fine little time killer here.

The basic story revolves around the arrest of Amos Merrick (John Maxwell), convicted of murdering an Army Colonel, and sentenced to hang in Hays City. As the story progresses, it's revealed that the sole witness lied under oath, since he wasn't even there when the event took place. Bat (George Montgomery) sets out after the stage carrying Merrick, forming an unlikely trio with Doc Holliday (James Griffith) and Merrick's daughter Amy (Nancy Gates). Just ahead of them is Wyatt Earp (Bruce Cowling), riding along with Merrick to make sure he gets to Hays City.

The villains of the piece are headed by Charlie Fry (William Henry), who's interest lies in the choice grazing land that the local cattlemen would be forced to hand over to the Indians under a treaty negotiated by Merrick. Fry is an equal opportunity killer, and is willing to knock off anyone standing in his way, including lawmen and dance hall girls. The whole affair ends in a blazing showdown in the middle of Hays City, reminiscent of the Gunfight at the OK Corral, minus Virgil and Morgan Earp, and with the inclusion of Bat. It amazed me throughout the picture that the good guys could stand right out in the open firing away, taking out the outlaws hiding behind every manner of cover, and not get shot themselves.

Interestingly, the picture adds a fanciful tale about the way Bat got his name. He tells Miss Amy that as a kid, he would practice his marksmanship by shooting at bats on the fly, and came to be known as 'the boy who shot the bats'. That was later shortened to Bat as the legend of his notoriety grew. Which would be quite the story if it wasn't made up for the picture. If you're a stickler for historical accuracy, this is just another thing that's bound to drive you batty.