Starlight Over Texas (DVD)

A gang of killers disguised as Indians hijack shipments of government provisions destined for ranchers along the Mexican border. Deputy Marshal Tom Carr is sent to investigate, but is murdered by gang-leader Kildare, who then assumes the slain lawman's identity. The stranglehold that Kildare's gang has on the region is unchallenged until Texas Ranger Tex Newman arrives. Tex is suspicious of the man who claims to be Marshal Carr, and his prying questions lead to a fiery showdown.

Starlight Over Texas was the first Western that Tex Ritter made for Monogram Studios, and is a great treasure for his fans. Tex sings the title song and several other excellent cowboy melodies. Carlos Villarias, the star of the 1931 Mexican version of Dracula, makes a rare Hollywood film appearance here as Governor Ruiz. This DVD has been mastered from an original print specially made for the film's producer, Ed Finney, and shows off the film's fine production values to best advantage.

• western