Bob Steele Double Feature: The Kid Ranger (1936) / Arizona Gunfighter (1937) – DVD

Bob Steele first saw screen time as a young boy, starring with twin brother Bill in a 1920's film series aptly titled The Adventures of Bill and Bob. These silent shorts were directed by the boys' father, Robert N. Bradbury, who would later direct the adult Bob Steele in many of his westerns. Bob starred in hundreds of low-budget cowboy films and serials in the 30s, 40s and 50s, and also found memorable work as a character actor in a number of major studio productions, including the 1939 classic, Of Mice and Men.

The Kid Ranger (B&W, 1936): Former sheriff Bill Mason is desperate to keep his daughter Mary from learning that he's not her real father, and worse, that he's her dad's killer. Armed with this knowledge, outlaw Steve Brent blackmails Mason into snatching a fifty thousand dollar haul from the stage line. Faced with the possibility of losing Mary, he has no choice but to commit the robbery. Now riding on the wrong side of the law, Mason is headed for a collision with lawman Ray Burton, a trusted friend. Stars Bob Steele, William Farnum, Earl Dwire, Geraine Grear; Directed by Robert N. Bradbury.

Arizona Gunfighter (B&W, 1937): Injured in a shootout with his father's killer, Colt Ferron is rescued by Wolf Whitson, leader of the infamous Jack Pine Mountain Gang. Whitson, a reluctant outlaw himself, takes Ferron under his wing. The years of running have taken their toll, however, and a growing distrust of his mutinous henchmen convinces him that it's time to break up the gang. Before he leaves, Wolf signs over his small plot of land to Colt, who happily accepts it as his own shot at redemption. Escaping the past is never that easy, though, and both men are destined to face their demons one more time. Stars Bob Steele, Jean Carmen, Ted Adams, Ernie Adams; Directed by Sam Newfield.

• western