“Phantom Cowboy” is a 1935 Western film directed by George Sherman and starring Harry Carey, Hoot Gibson, and Tom Tyler. The film follows a cowboy named Tom, who is falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and is chased by the law. Tom takes refuge in a cave and discovers a hidden underground city that is inhabited by a group of outlaws.

The outlaws have been using the underground city as a base for their criminal activities, and they offer Tom a deal: he can join their gang and become rich, or they will turn him over to the authorities. Tom reluctantly agrees to join the gang and soon finds himself embroiled in their schemes.

However, Tom’s conscience begins to weigh on him, and he decides to turn against the gang and help the law bring them to justice. He teams up with a group of cowboys and together they take on the outlaws in a thrilling showdown.

In the end, justice prevails, and Tom is exonerated of the false accusations against him. He rides off into the sunset, leaving the underground city behind and returning to a life of honest work as a cowboy.

Directors:
Robert J. Horner

Writer:
Carl Krusada

Stars:
Ted Wells, Doris Brook, George Chesebro

“The Desert Trail” is a classic western movie released in 1935 and directed by Lewis D. Collins. It stars John Wayne as John Scott, a rodeo rider who finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery.

The movie begins with John Scott and his friend, Kansas Charlie (Eddy Chandler), traveling to a rodeo competition in Rattlesnake Gulch. On the way, they stop at a small town where they witness a bank robbery and murder. John is framed for the crime and must prove his innocence while on the run from the law.

John and Kansas Charlie make their way to Rattlesnake Gulch, where they compete in the rodeo and meet a young woman named Anne (Mary Kornman). They also discover that the real culprits behind the bank robbery are in town and plan to strike again.

As the story progresses, John becomes determined to clear his name and bring the real criminals to justice. He teams up with Anne and her father to catch the thieves and solve the murder mystery. Along the way, John and Anne fall in love.

In the end, John and his allies successfully catch the robbers and clear his name. John and Anne plan to start a new life together. “The Desert Trail” is a classic western movie with all the elements of the genre, including shootouts, horse chases, and a hero seeking justice in the Wild West.

Directors:
Lewis D. Collins

Writer:
Lindsley Parsons

Stars:
John Wayne, Mary Kornman, Paul Fix

“West of the Divide” is a classic western movie released in 1934 and directed by Robert N. Bradbury. It stars John Wayne as Ted Hayden, a cowboy seeking revenge for his father’s murder.

The movie begins with Ted Hayden’s father, a sheriff, being killed by a gang of outlaws. Ted becomes determined to seek revenge and bring the killers to justice. He tracks down the gang to a nearby town, where he meets a young woman named Fay (Virginia Brown Faire), who is being forced to marry the gang leader, Jim (Lloyd Whitlock).

Ted poses as a wanted outlaw to get closer to the gang and gain their trust. He also tries to protect Fay from Jim’s abusive behavior. Along the way, Ted learns that one of the gang members, Mort (Yakima Canutt), is actually his long-lost brother. The two brothers reunite and work together to take down the rest of the gang.

As the story progresses, Ted and Fay begin to fall in love. Ted’s loyalty is tested when he discovers that Fay’s father was one of the men responsible for his father’s death. Despite this revelation, Ted remains committed to his mission of bringing justice to his family and Fay’s.

In the end, Ted and Mort successfully take down the gang and bring them to justice. Ted and Fay are reunited and plan to start a new life together. “West of the Divide” is a classic western movie with all the hallmarks of the genre, including shootouts, horse chases, and a hero seeking justice in the Wild West.

Directors:
Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:
Robert N. Bradbury, Oliver Drake

Stars:
John Wayne, Virginia Brown Faire, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes

“Hard Hombre” is a Western novel written by American author and journalist, Frank Gruber. The story takes place in the early 1900s in the American Southwest, during a time when lawlessness and violence were rampant.

The central character is Jim Morton, a notorious outlaw known as the “Hard Hombre.” Jim is a wanted man who is on the run from the law after a botched robbery attempt. He seeks refuge in a small town, where he hides out in a local saloon.

In the saloon, Jim meets several colorful characters, including a young woman named Joan, who works as a singer in the saloon. Joan is immediately drawn to Jim’s rugged charm and brooding demeanor, and the two begin a tumultuous romance.

As Jim tries to lay low and evade the law, he is forced to confront his past and come to terms with his own identity. He starts to question his life of crime and wonders if there is a way for him to turn his life around and start anew.

However, Jim’s past catches up with him when his former partner in crime, a ruthless outlaw named Rufe, arrives in town looking for revenge. Jim is forced to make a difficult choice between his own safety and the safety of the people he has come to care for in the town.

In the end, Jim realizes that he cannot escape his past, and he decides to confront Rufe in a final showdown. The climactic gunfight is intense and action-packed, and Jim emerges victorious. However, he is mortally wounded in the fight and dies in Joan’s arms.

In conclusion, “Hard Hombre” is a gripping Western tale that explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and self-discovery. The novel paints a vivid picture of the lawless and violent times of the early 1900s, and it features a cast of memorable characters and thrilling action sequences.

Directors:
Otto Brower

Writer:
Jack Natteford

Stars:
Hoot Gibson, Lina Basquette, Mathilde Comont

“Clearing the Range” is a Western novel written by American author and journalist, Emerson Hough. The story takes place in the late 1800s, during the time when the American frontier was gradually closing down, and the cattle industry was booming.

The plot revolves around the central character, Dave Morris, a cowboy who is a foreman on a large cattle ranch in Wyoming. Dave is tasked with clearing the open range of the free-grazing cattle and sheep, which have been causing conflicts with the cattle ranchers. The situation has escalated to the point where the local ranchers have formed a vigilante group to rid the range of the sheepmen.

Dave is an honest and respected cowboy who is determined to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. However, he is torn between his loyalty to his employer, who wants the sheepmen to be driven out, and his own sense of justice and fairness.

As the story unfolds, Dave’s efforts to find a peaceful resolution are complicated by the arrival of a beautiful and headstrong woman, Lucy Bostil, who owns a nearby sheep ranch. Dave and Lucy develop a mutual attraction, which further complicates the already tense situation.

Amidst the conflict and tension, Dave finally finds a way to clear the range without resorting to violence. His actions earn the respect and admiration of both the cattle and sheep ranchers, and he is hailed as a hero.

In conclusion, “Clearing the Range” is a compelling story that provides a glimpse into the tumultuous times of the Old West, where individualism and conflict were commonplace. It highlights the struggles and challenges faced by cowboys and ranchers in a rapidly changing world and explores the themes of loyalty, justice, and love.

Directors:
Otto Brower

Writer:
Jack Cunningham, Jack Natteford

Stars:
Hoot Gibson, Sally Eilers, Hooper Atchley

“Paradise Canyon” is a classic Western film released in 1935, directed by Carl Pierson and starring John Wayne in the lead role. The movie follows the story of a government agent named John Wyatt, who is tasked with investigating a counterfeiting operation in the Wild West.

The movie begins with John Wyatt (Wayne) being hired by the U.S. Treasury Department to investigate a group of counterfeiters who are operating in the western United States. He is instructed to track down the mastermind behind the operation, a mysterious figure known only as “The Shadow.”

As Wyatt sets out on his mission, he meets a young woman named Ann (Marion Burns) who is searching for her missing father. Together, they join forces to navigate the treacherous terrain of Paradise Canyon, where the counterfeiters are rumored to be hiding.

Along the way, Wyatt and Ann encounter several obstacles, including a gang of outlaws led by a ruthless gunslinger named Manti (Yakima Canutt). They also receive help from a mysterious stranger known only as Doc (Earl Hodgins), who has his own reasons for wanting to take down The Shadow.

In the end, Wyatt and his allies are successful in uncovering The Shadow’s hideout and putting an end to the counterfeiting operation. Wyatt also manages to reunite Ann with her father and is hailed as a hero by the townspeople.

“Paradise Canyon” is a thrilling Western adventure that showcases John Wayne’s talent as an actor and his rugged on-screen persona. The film features several exciting action scenes, including shootouts, horseback chases, and fistfights, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Directors:
Carl Pierson

Writer:
Lindsley Parsons, Robert Emmett Tansey

Stars:
John Wayne, Marion Burns, Reed Howes

“The Man From Utah” is a classic Western film released in 1934, directed by Robert N. Bradbury and starring John Wayne in the lead role. The movie follows the story of a rodeo cowboy named John Weston, who is hired by the government to investigate a series of mysterious deaths that have been occurring at a local rodeo.

The movie begins with John Weston (Wayne) riding into town and entering the rodeo competition. He quickly becomes a favorite among the crowds due to his impressive riding skills and charming personality.

As the rodeo progresses, John begins to suspect that something fishy is going on behind the scenes. He discovers that the rodeo is being run by a corrupt businessman named Ed Walsh, who is involved in a scheme to rig the competition and extort money from the other rodeo riders.

With the help of a local lawman named Marshal Higgins, John sets out to expose the corruption and bring Walsh and his accomplices to justice. Along the way, he also finds himself falling for a beautiful young woman named Marjorie Carter (Polly Ann Young), who is the daughter of one of the other rodeo riders.

In the end, John is successful in stopping Walsh’s scheme and saving the rodeo from ruin. He also manages to win Marjorie’s heart and is hailed as a hero by the townspeople.

“The Man From Utah” is a thrilling Western adventure that showcases John Wayne’s talent as an actor and his charismatic on-screen presence. The film features several exciting rodeo scenes, including bull riding and steer wrestling, as well as plenty of action-packed shootouts and horseback chases. Overall, it’s a must-see for fans of the genre.

Directors:
Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:
Lindsley Parsons

Stars:
John Wayne, Polly Ann Young, Anita Campillo

“Ride Ranger Ride” is a classic Western film released in 1936, directed by Joseph Kane and starring Gene Autry in the lead role. The movie follows the story of a Texas Ranger named Tex Martin, who is tasked with tracking down a gang of outlaws who have been terrorizing the countryside.

The movie begins with Tex Martin (Autry) arriving in a small town and meeting his new partner, a fellow Ranger named Jim (Max Terhune). Together, they set out to investigate a series of robberies and murders that have been committed by a notorious gang of outlaws led by the mysterious Black Bart.

As Tex and Jim follow the trail of the outlaws, they encounter several obstacles, including a group of bandits who try to ambush them and a corrupt sheriff who is in cahoots with the criminals. Despite these challenges, Tex and Jim remain determined to bring the outlaws to justice.

Along the way, Tex also meets a beautiful young woman named Rita (Kay Hughes), who has been kidnapped by the outlaws. Together, they hatch a plan to rescue her and put an end to the gang’s reign of terror.

In the end, Tex and Jim are successful in capturing the outlaws and bringing them to justice. Tex also manages to win the heart of Rita and is rewarded for his bravery and dedication as a Texas Ranger.

“Ride Ranger Ride” is a thrilling Western adventure that showcases Gene Autry’s talent as a singer and actor. The film also features several exciting action scenes, including shootouts, horseback chases, and fistfights, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Directors:
Joseph Kane

Writer:
Dorrell McGowan, Stuart E. McGowan, Bernard McConville

Stars:
Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Kay Hughes

“The Outlaw” is a Western film released in 1943, directed by Howard Hughes and starring Jack Buetel, Jane Russell, and Walter Huston. The movie follows the story of Billy the Kid and his relationship with Doc Holliday and Pat Garrett.

The film begins with Billy the Kid (Buetel) on the run from the law after escaping from jail. He meets up with Doc Holliday (Huston) and they become fast friends. Together, they plan a robbery to get money to help Billy’s friend, the beautiful Rio (Russell), who is being held captive by a wealthy landowner.

As the story progresses, Pat Garrett (Thomas Mitchell), a former friend of Billy’s, becomes the sheriff and is tasked with bringing Billy to justice. The tension between the two men grows as Billy continues to evade the law and Garrett becomes more determined to catch him.

Throughout the movie, there are several steamy scenes between Billy and Rio, which caused controversy due to the suggestive nature of the scenes. The film was even banned in some parts of the United States for its racy content.

In the end, Billy is captured by Garrett and sentenced to death, but not before Rio helps him escape. The film ends with Billy and Rio riding off into the sunset together, while Doc Holliday remains behind, nursing his tuberculosis.

“The Outlaw” is remembered for its bold portrayal of sex and violence, as well as for the stunning debut of Jane Russell, whose sultry performance made her an overnight sensation. Despite mixed reviews upon its release, the film has since become a cult classic in the Western genre.

Directors:
Howard Hughes, Howard Hawks

Writer:
Jules Furthman, Howard Hawks, Ben Hecht

Stars:
Jack Buetel, Thomas Mitchell, Jane Russell

“Randy Rides Alone” is a classic Western film released in 1934, directed by Harry L. Fraser and starring John Wayne in the lead role. The movie follows the story of Randy Bowers, a drifter who finds himself in the middle of a conflict between two ranch owners, the Weston and the Hatton families.

The movie begins with Randy Bowers riding into a small Western town and getting wrongly accused of robbery and murder. He is saved from a lynch mob by the arrival of a stagecoach, which is also carrying Ann, the daughter of one of the ranch owners, and her fiancé, Sheriff Simpson.

As Randy tries to clear his name and prove his innocence, he finds himself caught up in a feud between the Weston and the Hatton families, who are fighting over land and water rights. Randy discovers that the real culprits behind the robbery and murder are actually the Hattons, who are trying to frame the Westons in order to take their land.

With the help of Ann and a few other allies, Randy sets out to expose the Hattons’ treachery and bring them to justice. Along the way, he engages in some thrilling shootouts and horseback chases, finally bringing peace to the troubled town.

In the end, Randy is hailed as a hero and rides off into the sunset, leaving behind a grateful community and a newfound sense of purpose.

Directors:
Harry L. Fraser

Writer:
Lindsley Parsons

Stars:
John Wayne, Alberta Vaughn, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes

“Young Buffalo Bill” is a Western film released in 1940, directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes, and Pauline Moore.

The story follows the adventures of Buffalo Bill Cody as a young man (played by Rogers), who is working as a Pony Express rider and dreaming of becoming a famous Indian fighter. He gets his chance when he is hired by the cavalry to help protect a wagon train of settlers from a band of hostile Native Americans.

Along the way, Buffalo Bill falls in love with a beautiful young woman named Louisa Frederici (Moore), whose family is part of the wagon train. But their romance is complicated by the fact that Louisa’s brother is the leader of the Indian tribe that is attacking the settlers.

With the help of his trusty horse, Trigger, and his sidekick, Gabby (Hayes), Buffalo Bill must use his wits and bravery to outsmart the Indians and save the settlers from certain death. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about tolerance and understanding that will shape his future as a famous Western hero.

“Young Buffalo Bill” is a classic Western adventure that captures the spirit of the Old West and celebrates the courage and perseverance of those who tamed the wild frontier.

Directors:
Joseph Kane

Writer:
Harrison Jacobs, Robert Yost, Gerald Geraghty

Stars:
Roy Rogers, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes, Pauline Moore

“The Painted Desert” is a Western film released in 1931, directed by Howard Higgin and starring William Boyd, Helen Twelvetrees, and Clark Gable.

The story is set in the American Southwest, where two childhood friends, John Bishop (Boyd) and Dusty Rhodes (Gable), end up on opposite sides of the law. Bishop is a law-abiding rancher who falls in love with the beautiful Molly Larrabee (Twelvetrees), the daughter of a wealthy landowner. Meanwhile, Rhodes turns to a life of crime and becomes a notorious outlaw.

When Rhodes and his gang rob a stagecoach carrying Molly’s father, Bishop sets out to bring the criminals to justice. However, he soon discovers that Rhodes is the mastermind behind the robbery and faces a tough choice between his loyalty to his friend and his duty to the law.

As tensions mount between the two men, they find themselves on a collision course that can only end in tragedy. “The Painted Desert” is a classic Western that explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and betrayal in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the American West.

Directors:
Howard Higgin, Tom Buckingham

Writer:
Howard Higgin, Tom Buckingham

Stars:
William Boyd, Helen Twelvetrees, William Farnum

The story of “Rainbow’s End” centers around a young man named Ted, who is the son of a wealthy rancher. One day, he finds himself entangled in a conflict between his father and another rancher, whose crooked partner is causing trouble. Despite his father’s objections, Ted decides to help the other rancher and puts himself in danger to expose the villainous partner’s crimes. Along the way, Ted falls in love with the other rancher’s daughter and the two of them work together to save their families’ ranches from ruin. “Rainbow’s End” is a classic Western film that explores themes of loyalty, justice, and family bonds in the rugged landscape of the American West.

Directors:
Norval Spencer

Writer:
Rollo Lloyd

Stars:
Hoot Gibson, June Gale, Oscar Apfel

“Neath the Arizona Skies” is a Western film released in 1934 and directed by Harry L. Fraser. The film stars John Wayne as Chris Morrell, a cowboy who becomes the guardian of a young Native American girl named Nina (Shirley Jean Rickert) after her mother dies.

The film begins with Nina’s mother, Mary, being hunted down by a group of outlaws who are after the oil-rich land that she inherited from her father. Mary manages to hide the deed to the land in Nina’s doll, and she entrusts Chris with taking care of Nina and ensuring that the land stays in her possession.

Chris and Nina set out to find Mary’s estranged husband, who is believed to have valuable information about the location of the oil. Along the way, they encounter a band of outlaws led by a man named Sam Black (Yakima Canutt), who are also after the land.

As they continue their journey, Chris and Nina face various challenges, including a dangerous river crossing and a run-in with a group of hostile Native Americans. They also develop a bond, with Chris becoming a father figure to Nina.

In the end, Chris and Nina locate Mary’s husband and retrieve the deed to the land. They also manage to defeat the outlaws and ensure that the land remains in Nina’s possession.

“Neath the Arizona Skies” is a classic Western film, with themes of justice, loyalty, and family. John Wayne delivers a strong performance as the rugged cowboy, while Shirley Jean Rickert brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to her role as Nina. The film features thrilling action sequences and breathtaking scenery, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the Western genre.

Directors:
Harry L. Fraser

Writer:
Burl R. Tuttle

Stars:
John Wayne, Sheila Terry, Shirley Jean Rickert

“The Lawless Frontier” is a Western film released in 1934 and directed by R. N. Bradbury. It features legendary Western actor John Wayne in one of his early starring roles.

The film follows John Tobin (John Wayne), a cowboy who travels to Texas to claim an inheritance left to him by his father. Upon arrival, he discovers that his inheritance is a small ranch that is being targeted by a gang of outlaws led by the notorious killer, Bess Matthews (Sheila Terry). The gang is using the ranch as a hideout to plan their next heist.

As Tobin tries to defend his ranch, he becomes embroiled in a series of conflicts with the outlaws. Along the way, he befriends a local girl named Ruby (Linda Parker) and her father (George “Gabby” Hayes), who provide him with assistance in his fight against the gang.

In the final showdown, Tobin and the outlaws engage in a fierce gunfight, which results in the death of Bess Matthews and most of her gang. Tobin emerges victorious and takes control of his ranch, with the help of Ruby and her father.

“The Lawless Frontier” is a typical Western film of its time, with themes of justice, good versus evil, and the importance of bravery and self-reliance. The film features solid performances from its cast, with John Wayne displaying his trademark toughness and grit as the heroic cowboy. It also includes thrilling action sequences and tense shootouts, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the Western genre.

Directors:
Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:
Robert N. Bradbury

Stars:
John Wayne, Sheila Terry, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes