UNHOLY UPROAR

Once before Davis indulged in a symbolic fantasy, in terms- then- of farce, Thudbury, back in 1952. I doubt whether he will be remembered for that. His forts- in this reader's opinion- is the handling of youth. Now comes another fantasy, with its symbolism, its social implications- Unholy Uproar. A town of the deserts, Montoro City, seems to somewhat idealistic young man, Boone, as the epitome of Evil, and he spends a great deal of time discussing the search for the Mother Lode of Evil- and with his chief, even goes so far as turning the search towards uranium, as a source of Evil. He has discussions with strangers- but none stranger than the little disembodied spirit, who gets him into trouble and eventually out again. So much for the symbolic fantasy- never very palatable nor appealing. Incongruously enough it is welded to an adventure story, with Far West blood and thunder,- rackets, murders and gambling. And one comes to the ultimate question: ""Is it a crime to commit a crime to prevent a crime?"" Philosophy, fantasy, adventure in an ironic blend.