The Lion's Den (DVD)

Texas rancher Newt Mervin and his daughter Ann are robbed at gunpoint while attending a sharpshooter show in a Chicago nightclub. The star of the show, Tim Barton, rescues them by shooting the pistol out of the crook's hand. Impressed by Barton's gun skills, the Mervins offer him a job back in Texas, protecting their ranch from Nate Welsh and his gang of thieves. When Barton arrives, he is mistaken by Welsh to be notorious gunman "Single-Shot" Smith. Barton takes advantage of Welsh's error and infiltrates the outlaw band. When he falls for Ann, he realizes that he must help save the Mervin ranch from foreclosure before Welsh buys it at an auction.

One of a handful of authentic cowboys to achieve screen stardom, Tim McCoy was an expert in American Indian lore, as well as a master roper and sharpshooter. An incredibly fast draw, McCoy was timed by a film editor at 1/4 of a second (6 frames at 24 fps). He was a veteran of both World War I and II, receiving decorations for his actions with the Army Air Corps in Europe. In the years between, McCoy made over 80 films, silent and sound, for small and large studios alike and became a fan favorite. In 1952, he hosted his own TV series, "The Tim McCoy Show," and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1973.

• western