“Harlem Rides the Range” is a Western film released in 1939 and directed by Richard C. Kahn. It features an all-black cast and was one of the earliest “race films” made in Hollywood, catering to African American audiences.

The film follows Bob Blake (Herbert Jeffries), a cowboy from Harlem who inherits a ranch in the west from his uncle. Upon arrival, Bob discovers that the ranch is being targeted by a group of white landowners who want to take it over by any means necessary. Bob and his sidekick, Dusty (Lucius Brooks), decide to fight back and protect their land.

As they investigate, they discover that the white landowners are using a nearby ghost town as a base for their operations. Bob and Dusty disguise themselves as two wandering musicians and sneak into the ghost town to gather information. There, they discover that the landowners are hiding stolen cattle in the town’s abandoned buildings.

With this information, Bob and Dusty devise a plan to expose the white landowners’ illegal activities and save their ranch. They organize a cattle drive to the nearest town and use the stolen cattle as evidence against the landowners.

In the final showdown, Bob and Dusty confront the white landowners and their henchmen, who are armed and ready to fight. However, with the help of the local sheriff and a group of sympathetic townspeople, they manage to win the day and save their ranch.

The film ends on a triumphant note, with Bob and Dusty returning to Harlem as heroes and Bob deciding to give up his previous life as a musician and stay on the ranch. The film is notable for its all-black cast, its focus on African American characters, and its themes of racial justice and resistance against oppression.

Directors:
Richard C. Kahn

Writer:
Spencer Williams, F.E. Miller

Stars:
Herb Jeffries, Lucius Brooks, F.E. Miller

“Kansas Pacific” is a Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and released in 1953. The story is set during the Civil War and follows a group of Union soldiers who are assigned to protect the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, which is seen as vital to the Union’s war effort.

The film begins with a group of soldiers, led by Captain Nelson (Sterling Hayden), being sent to Kansas to protect the Kansas Pacific Railroad from Confederate raids. Along the way, they encounter a group of Confederate soldiers who are also looking to disrupt the railroad’s construction. Among the Confederate soldiers is Captain Warren (Barton MacLane), who is tasked with leading the raid.

As the two groups engage in a series of skirmishes and battles, Captain Nelson becomes increasingly suspicious of a local rancher named Camrose (Reed Hadley), who he believes is secretly aiding the Confederate soldiers. He also becomes romantically involved with Camrose’s daughter, Barbara (Eve Miller), which complicates his mission.

As the tension between the Union and Confederate soldiers intensifies, Captain Nelson and his men manage to thwart several attempts to disrupt the railroad’s construction. In the final showdown, the Union soldiers manage to stop the Confederate raid and prevent a major setback to the Union’s war effort.

In the end, Captain Nelson and Barbara part ways, as he returns to his duties as a soldier and she stays behind with her family. The film ends on a hopeful note, as the Kansas Pacific Railroad is completed and the Union’s victory in the Civil War is assured.

Directors:
Ray Nazarro

Writer:
Daniel B. Ullman

Stars:
Sterling Hayden, Eve Miller, Barton MacLane

“Rainbow Valley” is a novel by L.M. Montgomery, published in 1935. It is the seventh book in the Anne of Green Gables series, but it focuses on a new set of characters, rather than Anne Shirley.

The story is set in the fictional community of Rainbow Valley, which is located near the town of Glen St. Mary on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The main characters are the four children of the new minister in town, John Meredith. They are 10-year-old Jerry, 9-year-old Faith, 8-year-old Una, and 7-year-old Carl. They are motherless and their father, who is very absent-minded, is often preoccupied with his work and writing a history of the town.

The children are mischievous and often get into trouble, but they are also kind-hearted and always looking for ways to help others. They befriend the children of the town’s strict and judgmental Presbyterian minister, Mr. and Mrs. Meredith, who disapprove of the children’s father and his more liberal beliefs.

Jerry also develops a close friendship with a poor orphan boy named Mary Vance, who has a sharp tongue but a good heart. Mary is taken in by the local shopkeeper, Miss Cornelia, who also becomes a close friend to the Meredith family.

Throughout the novel, the children get into various scrapes and adventures, such as trying to find a way to make money for a poor family, organizing a concert to raise funds for the local church, and trying to bring a feud between two families to an end. Meanwhile, John Meredith struggles with his own feelings for the town’s schoolteacher, Rosemary West, who is also the daughter of the town’s wealthiest family.

In the end, the children’s good deeds and kind hearts bring the town together and help to bridge the gap between the different factions. John Meredith also finds the courage to declare his love for Rosemary, and they are married. The novel ends on a note of hope and community, with the children of Rainbow Valley continuing to spread joy and kindness wherever they go.

Directors:
Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:
Lindsley Parsons

Stars:
John Wayne, Lucile Browne, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes

“The Lucky Texan” is a 1934 Western film directed by Robert N. Bradbury and starring John Wayne. The movie follows the story of Jerry Mason (John Wayne), a young man who strikes it lucky by finding a vein of gold on his property. However, his good fortune attracts the attention of some unscrupulous individuals who try to cheat him out of his claim.

Jerry’s friend Jake (George “Gabby” Hayes) tries to help him out, but they both end up getting embroiled in a dangerous situation when they witness a bank robbery. Jerry and Jake become prime suspects, and they must clear their names while also protecting their newfound wealth.

Along the way, Jerry falls in love with a local girl named Joan (Barbara Sheldon), who also happens to be the daughter of the banker who was robbed. Jerry and Joan team up to solve the mystery of the robbery and clear their names, all while fighting off the crooks who are after Jerry’s gold.

“The Lucky Texan” is a classic Western film that features exciting action sequences, including shootouts and horseback chases. John Wayne delivers a charismatic performance as the hero, while George “Gabby” Hayes provides comic relief as his bumbling sidekick. The film is notable for its stunning location shots, which capture the rugged beauty of the American West.

Directors:
Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:
Robert N. Bradbury

Stars:
John Wayne, Barbara Sheldon, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes

“Riders of Destiny” is a 1933 Western film directed by Robert N. Bradbury and starring John Wayne in his first leading role. The movie is about a government agent named Singin’ Sandy Saunders (John Wayne) who is sent to the town of Mesa in order to investigate a group of corrupt landowners who are monopolizing the water supply.

Saunders discovers that the landowners have been using a local outlaw gang, led by a man named Kincaid (Forrest Taylor), to drive out small farmers who rely on the water supply. Saunders takes on the alias of “Sandy Smith” and infiltrates the gang in order to gather evidence against Kincaid and his accomplices.

Along the way, Saunders falls in love with one of the small farmers, Fay Denton (Cecilia Parker), and decides to help her and her father, who are being targeted by Kincaid’s gang. Saunders ultimately exposes the corruption and brings the landowners and Kincaid to justice, saving the small farmers from ruin.

The film features classic Western elements such as shootouts, horseback chases, and fistfights, as well as some musical performances by John Wayne. It was well received by audiences and helped establish John Wayne as a leading man in Western films.

Directors:
Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:
Robert N. Bradbury

Stars:
John Wayne, Cecilia Parker, Forrest Taylor

“Oh Susanna” is a 1936 western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, and Frances Grant. The story follows the adventures of a singing cowboy named Gene Autry who travels to a small town in the west to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his friend and mentor, Uncle Joe.

Gene discovers that Uncle Joe had been working as a prospector and had discovered a rich vein of gold before his disappearance. However, the local sheriff and his corrupt deputy are also aware of the gold and are determined to get their hands on it. Gene teams up with his sidekick Frog (Smiley Burnette) and a local girl named Sally (Frances Grant) to try and solve the mystery of Uncle Joe’s disappearance and protect the gold from falling into the wrong hands.

Along the way, Gene also gets to sing a number of popular songs, including the title song “Oh Susanna,” which became a hit for the film and for Autry himself. As the story unfolds, Gene and his friends must use their wits and their fighting skills to outsmart the corrupt lawmen and protect the gold from their clutches.

In the end, justice is served, and Gene and Sally ride off into the sunset together. “Oh Susanna” is a classic western adventure that features thrilling action, catchy songs, and colorful characters. It remains a beloved film among fans of the genre and a testament to the enduring popularity of the singing cowboy.

Directors:
Joseph Kane

Writer:
Oliver Drake

Stars:
Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Frances Grant

“American Empire” is a 1942 western film directed by William C. McGann and starring Richard Dix, Leo Carrillo, and Preston Foster. The story takes place in the 19th century during the California Gold Rush, and follows the efforts of a group of entrepreneurs to build a railroad line across the United States.

Richard Dix plays Dan Taylor, a wealthy businessman who is determined to build a railroad line that will connect California with the eastern United States. He enlists the help of his friend and fellow entrepreneur, Paulo Ruiz (Leo Carrillo), as well as a number of other investors and workers, to help him achieve his goal.

However, Taylor and Ruiz soon find themselves facing a number of challenges and obstacles, including competition from rival businessmen, political opposition, and sabotage from anti-railroad activists. As tensions rise and the stakes get higher, the two men must use all of their resources and their ingenuity to keep the project on track.

Meanwhile, a love triangle develops between Taylor, Ruiz, and the beautiful Lorna Gale (Frances Farmer), who is torn between her loyalty to Ruiz and her growing feelings for Taylor. As the story unfolds, the characters must grapple with their own personal demons as well as the larger forces that threaten to derail their dreams.

“American Empire” is a sweeping epic that captures the excitement and drama of the early days of American expansion. It features spectacular scenery, thrilling action, and a talented cast of actors who bring their characters to life with passion and conviction. The film is a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and the determination of those who helped build America into the world power it is today.

Directors:
William C. McGann

Writer:
J. Robert Bren, Gladys Atwater, Ben Grauman Kohn

Stars:
Richard Dix, Leo Carrillo, Preston Foster

“Stagecoach to Denver” is a 1946 western film directed by R.G. Springsteen and starring Allan Lane, Black Jack and Eddy Waller. The story follows a U.S. Marshal named Rocky Lane (Allan Lane) who is tasked with transporting a dangerous prisoner named Gentry (Black Jack) to Denver to stand trial.

Rocky is a skilled and experienced lawman who takes his duty seriously. He is initially reluctant to take on the assignment, as he knows that transporting Gentry will be a difficult and dangerous task. However, he ultimately agrees to take on the job and sets out with Gentry on the stagecoach to Denver.

Along the way, Rocky and Gentry are joined by a colorful cast of characters, including a beautiful saloon girl named Eve (Jacqueline Dalya) and a group of outlaws who are intent on freeing Gentry. Rocky must use all of his wits and his skill with a gun to protect himself, Gentry, and the other passengers from the outlaws’ attacks.

As the journey continues, Rocky begins to develop feelings for Eve, but he must focus on his mission and keep his eye on Gentry, who is determined to escape and evade justice. The tension builds as the outlaws become increasingly desperate, and Rocky must use every trick in the book to stay one step ahead of them.

In the end, justice is served, and Rocky and Eve ride off into the sunset together. “Stagecoach to Denver” is a classic western adventure that features thrilling action, suspenseful moments, and memorable characters. It is a must-see for fans of the genre and a testament to the enduring popularity of the western film.

Directors:
R.G. Springsteen

Writer:
Earle Snell, Fred Harman

Stars:
Allan Lane, Robert Blake, Martha Wentworth

“Code of the Cactus” is a 1939 western film directed by Sam Nelson and starring Tim Holt, Ray Whitley, and Emmett Lynn. The story revolves around the adventures of a cowboy named Chet Kasedon (Tim Holt) who is hired to protect a valuable gold shipment from a gang of bandits.

Chet is a tough and experienced cowboy who is well-respected in the local community. When he is hired to escort a gold shipment from a nearby mine to the bank in town, he takes the job seriously and does his best to ensure the safety of the shipment.

However, things quickly become complicated when a group of bandits led by a notorious outlaw named El Puma (LeRoy Mason) begins to pursue the gold shipment. Chet and his fellow cowboys must use all of their skills and ingenuity to outsmart the bandits and protect the gold.

Along the way, Chet also finds himself falling in love with the beautiful daughter of the mine owner, Sally Bailey (Joan Barclay). Despite the danger and uncertainty of their situation, Chet and Sally are drawn to each other and find strength in their love.

As the tension builds and the stakes get higher, Chet and his fellow cowboys must use every trick in the book to outwit the bandits and protect the gold shipment. In the end, justice is served, and Chet and Sally are able to ride off into the sunset together.

Overall, “Code of the Cactus” is a classic western adventure that features exciting action, romance, and memorable characters. It remains a beloved film among fans of the genre and is a testament to the enduring appeal of the western film.

Directors:
Sam Newfield

Writer:
Edward Halperin

Stars:
Tim McCoy, Dorothy Short, Ben Corbett

“The Law Rides Again” is a 1943 western film directed by Alan James and starring Johnny Mack Brown, Raymond Hatton, and Lynne Carver.

The movie follows the story of Johnny Brown’s character, who plays a US Marshal named Nevada Jack McKenzie. Jack is tasked with investigating a series of robberies that have been happening in the town of Mesa City. He soon discovers that the robberies are being orchestrated by a group of criminals led by a man named Rance Carson.

Carson and his gang have been stealing cattle and then selling them at a discount price to a local businessman named Matt Brawley. The two men are making a fortune off of these illegal deals, but Jack is determined to put an end to their criminal enterprise.

With the help of his old friend, Sandy Hopkins (played by Raymond Hatton), and a local rancher named Betty (played by Lynne Carver), Jack sets out to bring Carson and his gang to justice. The trio faces several challenges along the way, including shootouts, ambushes, and false accusations.

Despite the obstacles, Jack and his companions eventually succeed in apprehending Carson and his gang, and justice is served in Mesa City. The movie ends with Jack and Betty riding off into the sunset, having saved the town from the grips of lawlessness.

Directors:
Alan James

Writer:
Frances Kavanaugh, Robert Emmett Tansey

Stars:
Ken Maynard, Hoot Gibson, Jack La Rue

“Frontier Horizon” is a Western movie released in 1939, directed by George Sherman and starring John Wayne, Ray Middleton, and Jennifer Jones. The film follows the story of a group of settlers who are trying to establish a new home on the American frontier, but are threatened by a group of outlaws who want to steal their land.

The movie begins with Wayne’s character, a cowboy named Stony Brooke, and his two friends, Tucson Smith (Ray Middleton) and Rusty Joslin (Ventura, credited as “George ‘Gabby’ Hayes”), stumbling upon a group of settlers who have been attacked by a gang of outlaws led by Bull Bragg (Ward Bond). The settlers are determined to continue their journey to a new home in the West, but are in desperate need of protection.

Stony, Tucson, and Rusty take on the task of helping the settlers reach their destination safely, despite the constant threat of attack by the outlaws. Along the way, Stony falls in love with the beautiful young daughter of one of the settlers, Ann (Jennifer Jones), and must also deal with tensions within the group of settlers themselves.

The movie features several thrilling action sequences, including a dramatic shootout between Stony and the outlaws, as well as a chase scene through the rugged Western landscape. Ultimately, Stony and his friends are able to overcome the obstacles and help the settlers establish a new home on the frontier.

Overall, “Frontier Horizon” is a classic Western movie that showcases John Wayne’s charisma and the timeless themes of justice, courage, and the struggle for a better life that have made the genre so enduring.

Directors:
George Sherman

Writer:
Betty Burbridge, Luci Ward, William Colt MacDonald

Stars:
John Wayne, Ray Corrigan, Raymond Hatton

“Blue Steel” is a Western movie released in 1934, directed by Robert N. Bradbury and starring John Wayne, Eleanor Hunt, and George “Gabby” Hayes. The film follows the story of a sheriff named John Carruthers (John Wayne), who must track down a gang of thieves who have stolen a shipment of gold and are terrorizing a small town.

The movie begins with Carruthers arriving in the town of Yucca City, where he meets a beautiful young woman named Betty Mason (Eleanor Hunt). He soon discovers that a gang of thieves led by a man named Wistful McClintock (Edward Peil Sr.) has stolen a large shipment of gold from the local mining company and is using it to fund their criminal activities.

As Carruthers investigates, he discovers that McClintock and his gang are planning to use the stolen gold to buy a large piece of land that contains a valuable silver mine. Carruthers must use all his skills and cunning to track down the gang and recover the stolen gold before they can carry out their plans.

The movie features several thrilling action sequences, including a horseback chase and a dramatic shootout between Carruthers and the gang. Ultimately, Carruthers is able to apprehend the criminals and return the stolen gold to its rightful owners.

Overall, “Blue Steel” is a classic Western movie that showcases John Wayne’s rugged charm and the timeless themes of justice and redemption that have made the genre so enduring.

Directors:
Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:
Robert N. Bradbury

Stars:
John Wayne, Eleanor Hunt, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes

“Haunted Ranch” is a Western movie released in 1943, directed by Robert Emmett Tansey and starring John “Dusty” King, David Sharpe, and Max Terhune. The film follows the story of a group of cowboys who must solve a mystery surrounding a ranch that is believed to be haunted.

The movie begins with the cowboys arriving at the Circle R Ranch, which has been abandoned for years due to rumors of ghosts and other supernatural phenomena. The ranch has recently been inherited by a young woman named Mary Grayson (Lita Conway), who is determined to uncover the truth about the strange occurrences on the property.

As the cowboys investigate, they discover that a group of criminals is using the ranch as a hideout for their illegal activities. They also uncover evidence that suggests that the supposed “hauntings” are actually part of a plot to scare off anyone who might try to uncover the criminal activities.

The movie features several thrilling action sequences, including a horseback chase and a shootout between the cowboys and the criminals. Ultimately, the cowboys are able to solve the mystery, apprehend the criminals, and restore peace to the Circle R Ranch.

Overall, “Haunted Ranch” is a classic Western movie that combines elements of mystery and suspense with the timeless themes of justice and redemption that have made the genre so enduring.

Directors:
Robert Emmett Tansey

Writer:
Arthur Hoerl, Elizabeth Beecher

Stars:
John ‘Dusty’ King, David Sharpe, Max Terhune

“Lumberjack” is a Western movie released in 1944, directed by Lesley Selander and starring John Payne, Gloria Dickson, and Stanley Andrews. The film follows the story of a logger named Jim Hadley (John Payne), who is falsely accused of murder and must clear his name.

The movie begins with Hadley working as a lumberjack in the Pacific Northwest. When a fellow logger is murdered, Hadley is falsely accused of the crime and goes on the run. He teams up with a beautiful reporter named Kay Scott (Gloria Dickson) to investigate the murder and clear his name.

As they investigate, Hadley and Kay uncover a web of corruption and greed among the local timber companies. They also discover that the murder was part of a larger conspiracy to frame Hadley and cover up the companies’ illegal activities.

The movie features several thrilling action sequences, including a dramatic fight scene and a tense chase through the forest. Ultimately, Hadley and Kay are able to expose the truth and bring the real culprits to justice.

Overall, “Lumberjack” is a classic Western movie that showcases John Payne’s rugged charm and the timeless themes of justice and redemption that have made the genre so enduring.

Directors:
Lesley Selander

Writer:
Norman Houston, Barry Shipman, Clarence E. Mulford

Stars:
Stars
William Boyd, Andy Clyde, Jimmy Rogers

“Lightning Carson Rides Again” is a Western movie released in 1938, directed by Sam Newfield and starring Tim McCoy, Joan Barclay, and Ted Adams. The film follows the story of a cowboy named Lightning Carson (Tim McCoy), who must protect a group of settlers from a gang of outlaws who are determined to drive them off their land.

The movie begins with Carson arriving in a small town where he meets the beautiful Julie Warren (Joan Barclay) and her father, a homesteader who has been targeted by a group of bandits led by the ruthless Ace Barco (Ted Adams). Carson takes on the job of protecting the Warren family and the other settlers in the area.

As Carson and Julie work to organize the settlers and defend themselves against the bandits, they also must contend with corrupt lawmen who are in cahoots with the outlaws. The situation becomes increasingly dangerous as the bandits step up their attacks, and Carson must use all his skills and cunning to outsmart them.

The movie features several thrilling action sequences, including a horseback chase and a dramatic showdown between Carson and Barco. Ultimately, Carson and the settlers are able to drive off the outlaws and establish a new community on the land they have fought so hard to protect.

Overall, “Lightning Carson Rides Again” is a classic Western movie that showcases Tim McCoy’s rugged charm and the timeless themes of justice and redemption that have made the genre so enduring.

Directors:
Sam Newfield

Writer:
Isadore Bernstein

Stars:
Tim McCoy, Joan Barclay, Ted Adams