Robbers of the Range

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Robbers of the Range
Robbers of the Range 1941 film poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Edward Killy
Written by Oliver Drake
Screenplay byMorton 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
  • April 18, 1941 (1941-04-18) [1]
Running time
61 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

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]

Contents

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

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 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. Drummond, Smokey and Whopper help Tremaine raise the funds needed to save his ranch. Jim is attracted to Tremaine's daughter, Alice. Monk and Greeley frame Tremaine for the murder of rancher Frank Higgins. Jim and his friends force Greeley to produce evidence that will exonerate Tremaine. Rankin's gang guard the town to prevent this new evidence from being introduced 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 and capture the crooks. Lodge promises to make things right with the ranchers.

Cast

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References

  1. "Robbers of the Range: Detail View". American Film Institute. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  2. Richard Jewell & Vernon Harbin (1982). "The RKO Story". New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House. p. 159.
  3. "'Robbers' Exciting". The Washington Post. May 13, 1941. p. 6.
  4. "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.
  5. 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.