AllMovie

With Hank Newman and the Georgia Crackers joining series regular Smiley Burnette, South of the Chisholm Trail was yet another tuneful "Durango Kid" Western from Columbia producer Colbert Clark. As always, strapping Charles Starrett dons his black mask in defense of law and order in general and the well-being of sidekick Burnette in particular. A singing horseshoe salesman, Burnette has been cajoled by Abilene promoter Big Jim Grady (Frank Sully) into wrestling the fearful Bone Crusher (Victor Holbrook); when all hope seems lost, Steve Haley, as Durango, replaces him and scores an easy victory. But Smiley is not out of danger. Soon after, the tubby salesman is falsely accused of robbing a covered wagon, a crime actually committed by a gang of masked outlaws under the leadership of a crooked veterinarian (George Chesebro) and none other than Big Jim himself. Nancy Saunders, in her first of six appearances opposite Starrett, provides a bit of romantic interest, while Burnette and others perform "Frog Went a-Courtin'," "I Got the Sillies," "Down in Abilene," and assorted other hillbilly numbers.