Buster Crabbe Double Feature: The Mysterious Rider (1942) / Fuzzy Settles Down (1944)

Buster Crabbe, who lost the role of Tarzan to Johnny Weissmuller, became popular playing Flash Gordon at Universal from 1936 to 1940. Crabbe then traded outer space for the wide-open range when he went to Poverty Row (PRC specifically) to star in the popular Billy the Kid series.

The Mysterious Rider (B&W, 1942): Billy the Kid and sidekick Fuzzy retreat to a ghost town to lay low because a $5,000 reward for their capture is making life difficult for them. But things aren't all quiet in the empty streets as a gang of outlaws want to make sure the town remains deserted as they dig for gold in nearby hills. Stars Buster Crabbe, Al "Fuzzy" St. John and Kermit Maynard; Directed by Sherman Scott.

Fuzzy Settles Down (B&W, 1944): Reluctant hero Fuzzy turns publisher when he and Billy the Kid buy the local newspaper with money they received from capturing a crook. But the power of the press is in danger when an outlaw syndicate tries to control the newspaper as part of their plot to block a new telegraph line that would let the victimized townsfolk wire for help. Stars Buster Crabbe, Al "Fuzzy" St. John and Charles King; Directed by Sam Newfield.

• western