"Here's a real oddity: directed by the little-known A.F. Erickson (who edited and 'directed' the sound release version of Murnau's City Girl, which shared the same scenarist, Elliot Lester), Rough Romance, at only 4800 35mm feet, must be the shortest Fox feature ever. But it is quite an ambitious film: well cast, much of it filmed on impressive and interesting locations, and with a good log-jam action climax. Nor is it merely an action film: based on the story 'The Girl Who Wasn't Wanted' it really revolves more around the waif-like girl touchingly played by Helen Chandler. Incidentally, John Wayne is only an extra in the crowded gambling hall scenes, but being taller than almost anybody else in the scene is easily recognizable." William K. Everson