Across the Plains – DVD

Orphaned as a young boy and raised by Indians, frontier scout Cherokee has spent years riding the plains, aiding pioneers while searching for the bandits who killed his parents and kidnapped his younger brother. When he intervenes on behalf of a freight-line owner targeted by the sinister Kansas Kid, Cherokee's long quest hurtles to a startling climax.

Singing cowboy Jack Randall - whose brother, Bob Livingston, was one of Republic's "Three Mesquiteers" - hung up his guitar in 1938 as Monogram Pictures injected more action into his "B" Westerns. Across the Plains, crisply directed by action veteran Spencer Gordon Bennet and shot in the ruggedly picturesque foothills near the High Sierras hamlet of Lone Pine, is considered one of Randall's best starring vehicles by discriminating western fans. - Ed Hulse

• western