The Wyoming Whirlwind (1932) / The Law of 45's (1935)

The Wyoming Whirlwind (BW, 1932): A masked man called "The Wolf" steals a strongbox from Steve Cantrell's ranch. Judy Flagg, a pretty newcomer to town, is almost killed in the robbery, but is saved by the timely intervention of Keene Wallace. The mysterious stranger reveals his secret to the girl -- That he is "The Wolf!" He seeks proof that Cantrell killed his father and stole the family ranch years before. With Judy's help, Wallace swears to bring the crooked rancher to justice. But as long as the authorities are on his tail, it won't be easy...

The Wyoming Whirlwind was broadcast on television under the title Roaring Rider. The film'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. Starring Lane Chandler and Yakima Canutt. Directed by Armand Schaeffer.

The Law Of 45's (BW, 1935): Tucson "Two-Gun" Smith and his sidekick Stoney Martin traverse the frontier, righting wrongs and helping those in need. While passing through what seems to be a peaceful valley, they meet Joan Hayden and her father. Rontell, a crooked lawyer, has been burning down any ranch in the valley that refuses to be bought out. The Haydens' home is next on the list. Two-Gun and Stoney vow to stop Rontell before it is too late.

The Law of 45's is the first film based on the popular series of Three Mesquiteers novels by William Colt MacDonald. Unlike the later entries produced by Republic Pictures, it features only two of the three characters, Two-Gun Smith and Stoney (in the books and subsequent films, Stoney's last name is Brooke; in The Law of 45's, it is Martin.) Guinn "Big Boy" Williams was a former rodeo star who became a popular Western actor during the silent era. As the sound era progressed, he moved into a solid career as a supporting player, appearing in classics such as Dodge City (1939), Santa Fe Trail (1940), and The Desperadoes (1943). Besides being an ubiquitous presence in Westerns, Glenn Strange played Frankenstein's monster in House of Frankenstein (1944), House of Dracula (1945) and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948).

Starring Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Al St. John, Molly O'Day, Lafe McKee and Glenn Strange. Directed by John McCarthy

• western