The Lone Bandit (1935) / Outlaw Rule (1935)

The Lone Bandit: A masked criminal called "The Phantom Bandit" has been robbing ranchers of their cattle. When the thief is seen riding a horse identical to cowhand Lane Cartwright's, he is thrown in jail by Sheriff Jim Macy. When "The Phantom" strikes again, Jim realizes that Lane is innocent. Releasing him from jail, he swears in the young man as his deputy and asks for his help in capturing the mystery man. The two of them will have to act fast, however, since "The Phantom" has targeted Lane's girlfriend Bess as his next victim...

The Lone Bandit's star, Lane Chandler, began his career as a romantic leading man in the silent era, appearing opposite sex symbols like Clara Bow and Greta Garbo. The advent of sound led to a downturn in his fortunes, but he soon returned to popularity with a starring role in the Universal serial The Lightning Express (1930) and a series of Westerns for Willis Kent Productions. He went on to appear in over 300 films in his four decade career, including some of Hollywood's biggest hits (The Plainsman, It's A Wonderful Life, The Greatest Show On Earth) though he was mostly cast in uncredited supporting roles. Empire Pictures made a sequel to The Lone Bandit, The Outlaw Tamer, later in 1935, also starring Chandler. Evidently the studio planned a "Phantom Bandit" series, but no further entries materialized. Starring Lane Chandler, Wally Wales, and Charles Whittaker. Directed by J.P. Mcgowan.

Outlaw Rule: Reb Russell rides into town to find his former home in a state of chaos. An outlaw gang led by "Blaze" Tremaine is behind a rash of bank robberies, and the authorities have brought in a mysterious gunman called "The Whistler" to hunt them down. But Reb has reason to believe the marksman is not what he appears to be. When he discovers the true identity of "The Whistler", Reb realizes that the whole town is in deadly danger...

Reb Russell, the star of Outlaw Rule, ranks as one of the greatest collegiate football stars ever produced by the state of Kansas. Cowboy legend Tom Mix became friends with Reb, securing him a screen test at Universal. Reb then signed to Kent Pictures where he starred in nine low-budget western "classics", beginning with The Man from Hell (1934). His character usually shared his real name in these features. After the series ended in 1935, he decided to forego his film career for touring with circuses and Wild West shows. Starring Reb Russell, Yakima Canutt, and Jack Rockwell. Directed by S. Roy Luby.

• western