Rare Western Sound Shorts: Faro Nell - In Old Californy (1929) / Potluck Pards (1934) / Western Wonderlands

Faro Nell - In Old Californy (1929): Sweet Nell is the jewel of Dry Gulch and all of the eligible bachelors seek her hand. The townsfolk are willing to shoot any stranger who casts aspersions on her honor - and rule it a legal suicide. The men are crestfallen when she chooses Dick to be her beau. A jealous suitor frames the lucky cowpoke for murder. This hilarious early sound short satirizes the cliches of early silent westerns. Stars Louise Fazenda, Jack Luden, Frank Rice; Directed by William Watson.

Potluck Pards (1934): A pair of would-be outlaws, Ben and Walrus Face, join forces to engage in the robbery business. Profits are way down when they feel sorry for their first victim, and decide to not only return his cash, but help him win his sweetheart back. Stars Ben Corbett, Harry Meyers, Hal Taliaferro (as Walt Williams), George Chesebro; Directed by Bernard B. Ray.

Western Wonderlands: A majestic tour of the Grand Canyon, and modern science coming to the aid of farmers and cowpunchers are some of the highlights of this short subject from a series produced by the Union Pacific Railroad to promote Western tourism. Narrated by Ted Campbell.

• western