Apache Kid's Escape (1930) / Adventures of Texas Jack (1934) (DVD)

The Apache Kid's Escape (1930, B&W): Once a feared and dangerous bandit, the Apache Kid is now determined to stay on the right side of the law. But other men have been committing crimes using the Kid's trademark checkered scarf as a disguise. The latest imposter is his pal, Ted Conway, an honest cowboy with serious money woes. After Ted robs a stage and is arrested, the Apache Kid hatches a plan to establish an alibi for his friend - a scheme that involves returning to his outlaw ways.

Written and directed by Robert J. Horner, one of Poverty Row's more notorious, low-budget filmmakers, The Apache Kid's Escape is a rare remaining example of his work.

Starring Jack Perrin, Josephine Hill, Fred Church; Written and directed by Robert J. Horner

Adventures of Texas Jack (1934, B&W): A gang of masked outlaws rob a bank and escape into the hills, their saddlebags heavy with what they think is gold. Expert tracker, Texas Jack, quickly hunts the robbers down. But now he has a mystery on his hands - where is the missing gold?

This rare, western short was originally intended as part of a multi-episode serial. The highlight of this production is one of the earliest uses of the "William Tell Overture" in the soundtrack, pre-dating its adoption as the signature theme music for "The Lone Ranger." Director Victor Adamson helmed the picture using the pseudonym, Denver Dixon, and also appears as Jack's sidekick, Blister, using the name Al Mix. Victor's son, Al Adamson, was a renowned director of low-budget films in the 1960s and 70s.

Starring Wally Wales, Al Mix, Victoria Vinton, Jay Wilsey; Directed by Denver Dixon.

• western