The Dude Bandit

Crooked cattle baron Al Burton bribes an unethical doctor to place a quarantine on "Pop" Mason's cattle. Unable to sell his stock, he will be forced to default on a debt he owes Burton, which will allow him to seize Mason's land, as he has done to other unfortunate settlers. To seal the deal, Burton has his men kill "Pop" and leave fake evidence of a suicide. Ace Cooper is an old pal who suspects foul play. Disguised as a foppish dude, he helps Mason's beautiful daughter, Betty, in her efforts to find the murderer and save the family ranch. Shortly after Cooper's arrival, Burton and his henchman are repeatedly robbed and terrorized by a mysterious masked night rider known only as "The Dude Bandit."

Rodeo champion Hoot Gibson started out in silent films as a stunt man and rider. He became a huge cowboy star in Hollywood for two decades, second only to Tom Mix. Likable and down-to-earth, his films are often laced with self-deprecating humor, such as his Scarlet Pimpernel-like portrayal in this 1933 Allied Pictures production.

• western