West of The Badlands (aka The Border Legion) – DVD

Roy Rogers is Dr. Stephen Kellogg, who is fleeing from the law back East for a crime he did not commit. Assuming the name "Steve Kell," he partners up with fellow fugitive and gambler "Honest John" Whittaker (Gabby Hayes).

The fast friends seek refuge at the Idaho Palace Hotel & Bar, which is ruled with an iron fist by "Hurricane Hattie" McGuire (brilliant character actress Maude Eburne). An old maid who soberly oversees her smoky saloon, Hurricane Hattie is long on virtue and quick on the draw. Believing Stephen's story that he is on the lam to protect his fiance's murdering brother from the gallows, Hattie offers a safe haven to the good doctor as a romance blooms between the spinster and "Honest John."

As the nefarious Border Legion bandits terrorize the territory, and with a five thousand dollar reward on their heads, Stephen seeks a chance at redemption by orchestrating the capture of the ruthless desperadoes.

Directed by B-western auteur Joseph Kane, West of the Badlands features thrilling action sequences (including a stagecoach shootout) as well as sassy musical numbers with Roy and his guitar. The musical direction is by Cy Feuer, who would go on to produce "Guys and Dolls" and "Can-Can" on Broadway. Cinematographer Jack Marta's work includes Cat Ballou (1965) and director Steven Spielberg's 1971 television suspense classic Duel.

• western