Beyond the Law / Code of Honor

A saloon on the border between California and Nevada becomes the hideout for "Texas" Jack Slade's gang of rustlers. When the crooks start harassing the nearby ranchers, the town council calls the U.S. Cavalry for help. Two of their best men, Dan Wright and "Jack-Knife" Chandler are sent to wrangle the rustlers. But when they discover that Slade has assembled an army of thugs, Wright and Chandler must call in their fellow cavalrymen for an all-out war.

The star of Beyond the Law, Lane Chandler, began his career as a romantic leading man in the silent era, appearing opposite sex symbols like Clara Bow and Greta Garbo. The advent of sound led to a downturn in his fortunes, but he soon returned to popularity with a starring role in the Universal serial The Lightning Express (1930) and a series of Westerns for Willis Kent Productions. He went on to appear in over 300 films in his four decade career, including some of Hollywood's biggest hits (The Plainsman, It's A Wonderful Life, The Greatest Show On Earth) though he was mostly cast in uncredited supporting roles.

PLUS: Code Of Honor (BW, 1930):After being ambushed and left for dead, card sharp Jack Cardigan is rescued by the lovely Doris Bradfield. Falling in love with the good-hearted young woman, he decides to leave his gambling ways behind him forever. But when the deed to Doris's ranch is stolen, Jack must win it back in one final high-stakes game. This rare Western stars Mahlon Hamilton, a silent leading man that ended up in "B" pictures after the arrival of sound. His most famous role was as Mary Pickford's love interest in Daddy Long Legs (1919). Starring Mahlon Hamilton, Lafe McKee, Jimmy Aubrey. Directed by J.P. McGowan

• western