Robbers of the Range
| Robbers of the Range | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Edward Killy |
| Written by | Oliver Drake |
| Screenplay by | Morton Grant Arthur V. Jones |
| Produced by | Bert Gilroy |
| Starring | Tim Holt |
| Cinematography | Harry J. Wild |
| Edited by | Frederic Knudtson |
| Music by | Paul Sawtell |
| Distributed by | RKO Radio Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 61 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Robbers of the Range is a 1941 American Western film directed by Edward Killy and starring Tim Holt, Virginia Vale, Ray Whitley, and Emmett Lynn.[2][3]
It was the third in Tim Holt's series of Westerns for RKO.[4] Holt fractured two bones in his foot in an accident during filming.[5]
Plot[edit]
In the Old West, a land agent named Greeley is in cahoots with railroad purchasing agent, J.R. Rankin, to buy up land in anticipation of the coming railroad. Rancher Jim Drummond refuses to sell. Rankin and Greeley, with henchmen Monk and Blackie, frame Jim for the murder of fellow rancher, Williams. Jim is arrested and taken by stage to the town of Blue Mesa for trial. Rankin's men attack the stage killing the driver, the deputy sheriff escorting Jim, along with a young gunman named Curly Yantis. Jim drives the stage to Blue Mesa and reports the attack posing as Yantis, declaring that Jim Drummond (Yantis) was killed. Jim's ranch hands, Smokey and Whopper arrive, and Jim explains what transpired.
Roy Tremaine heads a protective association of ranchers. In order to expose Rankin's criminal activity, Jim joins his gang and his pals agree to work for the ranchers. They help Tremaine raise the funds needed to save his ranch. Jim is attracted to Tremaine's daughter, Alice; but she rebuffs him due to his association with Rankin. Monk and Greeley frame Tremaine for the murder of rancher Frank Higgins. Jim and his friends hold Greeley and Monk, hoping to use them to exonerate Tremaine. Jim also finds the gun Monk used to kill Higgins in Tremaine's well. Monk escapes and reveals Jim's true identity to Rankin. Rankin's gang guard the town to prevent Jim from introducing the new evidence at trial. To Rankin's surprise, railroad executive Colonel Lodge arrives to investigate the situation. The rigged jury finds Tremaine guilty, but Jim arrives with Greeley and the evidence absolving Tremaine. Rankin realizes his plot has been uncovered and prevents everyone from leaving the courthouse while he and his gang take off with their ill-gained money. Jim and the other ranchers intervene, a gunfight ensues and the crooks are captured. Lodge promises to make things right with the ranchers. Alice reconciles with Jim. Whopper accidentally falls in Tremaine's well as he admires Alice's beauty.
Cast[edit]
- Tim Holt as Curly Yantis
- Virginia Vale as Alice Tremaine
- Ray Whitley as Smokey
- Emmett Lynn as Whopper
- LeRoy Mason as J.R. Rankin
- Howard C. Hickman as Roy Tremaine
- Ernie Adams as Greeley
- Frank LaRue as Frank Higgins
- Ray Bennett as Sam Daggett
- Tom London as Henchman Monk Saunders
- Ed Cassidy as Sheriff
- Bud Osborne as Henchman Blackie
- George Melford as Colonel Lodge
- Malcolm 'Bud' McTaggart as Curly Yantis
- Harry Harvey Sr. as Deputy Sheriff Bill Brady
References[edit]
- ^ "Robbers of the Range: Detail View". American Film Institute. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
- ^ Richard Jewell & Vernon Harbin (1982). "The RKO Story". New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House. p. 159.
- ^ "'Robbers' Exciting". The Washington Post. May 13, 1941. p. 6.
- ^ "PRIVATE VIEWS". The Australian Women's Weekly. August 16, 1941. p. 16 Section: The Movie World. Retrieved June 7, 2013 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Schallert, Edwin. (February 11, 1941). "Menjou Choice to Play Anne Shirley's Father: Marion Writes for Scott Fans 'Cast' Best-Seller Wayne in 'New Orleans' Metro Buys Grant Novel Blackmer to Portray Lee". Los Angeles Times. p. A10.
External links[edit]
- Robbers of the Range at IMDb
- Robbers of the Range at AllMovie
- Robbers of the Range at the TCM Movie Database
- Robbers of the Range at the American Film Institute Catalog
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