Lawless Range (1935)

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Plot Summary
John Middleton is investigating cattle rustling when he is captured and tossed into a cave with Emmett,
a rancher who disappeared earlier. They help each other escape and learn that a local banker is trying
to scare everyone away to grab up some secret gold mines.
Summary written by Ed Stephan

When Middleton's friend Mason asks for help, he sends his son John.
John arrives to find Mason missing and Burns' gang controlling the town.
After bringing provisions to the besieged town, he plans a cattle drive.
But Banker Carter gets the ranchers to start the drive early so Burns' gang can rustle them.
The gang also makes John a prisoner to keep him out of the way.
Summary written by Maurice VanAuken

Full Cast
John Wayne .... John Middleton, aka John Allen
Sheila Bromley .... Ann Mason (as Sheila Mannors)
Frank McGlynn Jr. .... Frank Carter (banker)
Jack Curtis .... Marshal
Wally Howe .... Uncle Hank Mason
Julia Griffin .... Aunt Marie Mason
Yakima Canutt .... Joe Burns (chief Carter henchman)
Earl Dwire .... Emmett (storekeeper)
Victor Adamson .... Henchman (uncredited)
Chuck Baldra .... Outlaw singer (uncredited)
Charles Brinley .... Townsman (uncredited)
Bob Burns .... Bert (storekeeper) (uncredited)
Fred Burns .... Rancher (uncredited)
Horace B. Carpenter .... Clem (uncredited)
Frank Ellis .... Member of 'necktie party' (uncredited)
Sam Flint .... Sam Middleton (John's father) (uncredited)
Herman Hack .... Robber (uncredited)
Ray Henderson .... Gambler (uncredited)
Jack Kirk .... Burns' Henchman (uncredited)
Bob Kortman .... Tall ranch hand clocking John (uncredited)
George Ovey .... Shorty (ranch hand clocking John) (uncredited)
Tex Palmer .... Deputy Tex (uncredited)
Fred Parker .... Townsman (uncredited)
Pascale Perry .... Henchman (uncredited)
Charles Sargent .... Outlaw Singer (uncredited)
James Sheridan .... Townsman (uncredited)
Glenn Strange .... Burns' Henchman (uncredited)
Francis Walker .... Cowhand (uncredited)
Slim Whitaker .... Burns' Henchman (uncredited)
The Wranglers .... Singing Cowhands (uncredited)

Writing Credits
Lindsley Parsons also story

Original Music
Sam Perry (uncredited)
Clifford Vaughan (uncredited)

Cinematography
Archie Stout

Stunts
Yakima Canutt .... stunts (uncredited)
Tommy Coats .... stunts (uncredited)
Francis Walker .... stunts (uncredited)

Trivia
Originally meant to be a Monogram-Lone Star western, this picture was instead released by Republic after that company's temporary (as it turned out) takeover of Monogram in 1935.

Goofs
* Continuity: Middleton is singing and playing the guitar as he approaches the town. When he goes off to Mason's valley, there is no guitar with him but he has one when he gets to Mason's house.

* Continuity: When is caught by the posse he has no gun in his holster, despite having two (his own and Ann Mason's) just before he gets on his horse to flee.

* Continuity: When Middleton foils the attempt on the wagons, he wears a white hat. That night at the bar, he is wearing a black hat.

* Continuity: The two handwritten letters are from different people (Hank Mason and Tex, an outlaw) but the handwriting is exactly the same in each.

* Continuity: Middleton is captured by the outlaws and is disarmed with his gun being put into a drawer. When he escapes and rides to the rescue he is armed again. Similarly Hank Mason has neither gun-belt nor gun while he is being held captive, but has acquired both by the time he reaches the cattle herd.

* Revealing mistakes: Middleton is riding cross country, he has no canteen, saddlebags or bed roll.

Filming Locations
Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, USA
Lone Pine, California, USA
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park - 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd., Agua Dulce, California, USA

Lawless Range is a 1935 Western film produced by Monogram Pictures,
released by Republic Pictures, directed by Robert N. Bradbury and starring John Wayne.

Duke at this time was emerging as one of Republic's top money makers.
Duke, John Middleton, organizes a wagon caravan, to ship much needed food,
to the townsfolk.
This film found Duke once again, singing and strumming his guitar,
However, this was to be his last, in this genre.HOORAH!!!
Robert North Bradbury directed, and Archie Stout's camera work,
enhanced the picture.

Frank McGlynn Jr. and Yak added their able support.
Duke's love, interest the lovely Shiela Bromley once Mannors,
was another of Duke's early screen, got the chemistry girls.
They made several films together.

However, at this stage, each movie was like the last, nothing ever changed, even the horses,were becoming recognizable!!

User Review

Quote

Author: Christopher Mulrooney from Los Angeles

This is the singing John Wayne (his voice is dubbed by an excellent baritone)
in a tale of multiple deceptions and heroisms.
The complications of the plot appear to be characteristic of R.N. Bradbury,
who likes a good joke, as well as numerous details like the moths around the evening singalong,
and the prodigious ease with which his hero plucks the villain (a hornswoggling banker) off his saddle.