Bob Steele Double Feature: Kid Courageous (1935) / Near The Rainbow's End (1930) (DVD)

Bob Steele's 50-year career in film was predominantly conducted on horseback, as one of Hollywood's most popular cowboys. Born Robert Bradbury, Jr., Bob's show biz career began at age 2 when he was featured in the family vaudeville act. He made his film debut at 14, appearing with his twin brother, Bill, in silent comedy shorts by their father, Robert N. Bradbury,who directed many of Bob's later features, including Kid Courageous. Among his 150 films, there were several non-western departures for Steele which earned him critical praise - his role as Curley in Of Mice and Men (1939) and later supporting roles in The Big Sleep (1946) and The Enforcer (1951).

Kid Courageous (B&W, 1935): Goldmine owner William Bannister is having theft problems at one of his digs, and the man he sent to investigate has disappeared. As a last resort, he sends his son Bob to get to the bottom of the mystery. Bob discovers much more than a gold robbery. Kincaid, the crime boss behind the mine job, is also forcing a young Mexican heiress into a sham marriage in order to grab her inheritance. A lady in distress is just the catalyst to kick Bob into high gear in a showdown with Kincaid. Starring Bob Steele, Jack Cowell, Rene Borden and Lafe McKee; Written & Directed by Robert N. Bradbury.

Near The Rainbow's End (B&W, 1930): Bob Steele stars in his very first talking picture! The Bledsoes are cattle ranchers and the Wilsons are sheep herders, and tempers flare when grazing rights become at issue. In the past, young Jim Bledsoe's romance with pretty Ruth Wilson kept the rivalry at a low simmer, but the Wilsons' new partner, Buck Rankin, is a hard- nosed troublemaker. Now the dispute threatens to boil over into a full-fledged range war. Starring Bob Steele, Lafe McKee, Al Ferguson and Loise Lorraine; Directed by J. P. McGowan

• western