Double dose of Allan Lane western action in a B-western double feature. We’re screening one of Republic’s last films in their Red Ryder series, followed by Allan Lane’s first starring B-western for Republic Pictures. Peggy Stewart co-stars in both!
First up is RUSTLERS OF DEVIL’S CANYON, 1947, Allan Lane’s 2nd to last appearance as Red Ryder. There was to be only one more after this film due to a clerical error at Republic Pictures. They forgot to renew the license for the popular comic strip character and lost the right to produce new Red Ryder films!
That’s right, amigos, in the old days, there were many non-superhero comic characters. Including creator Fred Harmon’s red headed cowboy hero who had earlier been licensed to Republic and been turned into a super serial starring Don “Red” Barry. Next was a very popular series of 16 movies starring Wild Bill Elliott as Red and young Bobby Blake as his sidekick, Little Beaver. When Elliott was promoted to A movies, Lane replaced him as Red and was to make an additional 7 films before the rights were lost.
RUSTLERS OF DEVILS’S CANYON is one of the best of the series with Lane and Bobby Blake, and Emmett Lynn as "Blizzard." Time periods vary in these films and Red is just returning to Wyoming from fighting in the Spanish-American War and uncovers cattle rustling gang. As expected, the film is loaded with action and boasts a typically solid supporting cast including the very popular Peggy Stewart, Roy Barcroft, Arthur Space and Tom London with stunts by Tom Steele and Fred Graham.
Another instance of Allan Lane replacing an actor happened in 1944 when Don Barry’s departure from his B western series created an opening for Allan Lane in his first starring Republic feature. He even inherited Barry’s not so funny sidekick, Wally Vernon. The film is SILVER CITY KID and it’s a fantastic way to launch a star. Lane is joined by Peggy Stewart whose brother, Lane Chandler, is murdered. Lots of action in this B western as Lane fights his way to uncover the murderer. Let us know which film you liked best. Thanks for joining us on Word’s Wayback tribute to Allan Lane, Peggy Stewart and Republic Pictures.
Remember, if you enjoy our programs, please join our Patreon Posse and help keep them coming. Thanks again. Now, let’s ride with Red! / awow
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