Wells Fargo Gunmaster (1951)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

Philip Ford

Writer:

M. Coates Webster (writer)

Release Date:

15 May 1951 (USA)

Genre:

Western

Plot:

Rocky, Special Investigator for Wells Fargo, shows up just in time to save the stage from being robbed...

Cast

Allan Lane	...	Rocky Lane (as Allan 'Rocky' Lane)
Chubby Johnson	...	Skeeter Davis
Mary Ellen Kay	...	Carol Hines
Michael Chapin	...	Tommy Hines
Roy Barcroft	...	Henchman Brick Mason
Walter Reed	...	Ed Hines
Stuart Randall	...	John Thornton
William Bakewell	...	Charlie Lannon
George Meeker	...	Roulette Croupier
Anne O'Neal	...	Stage passenger
James Craven	...	Mr. Mills, Wells Fargo Chief
Forrest Taylor	...	Doctor
Lee Roberts	...	Townsman

Runtime:

60 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #15109)

Filming Locations:

Iverson Ranch, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Republic Pictures

Competent Republic Series Western

"Wells Fargo Gunmaster" is another entry in the long running Rocky Lane series. As usual Republic put together a competent, little series western starring long time Republic star Allan "Rocky" Lane. This one is different in that Chubby Johnson replaces series regular Eddy Waller as Rocky's partner. Interestingly enough, Johnson's character is named Skeeter Davis.

The story has Wells Fargo special agent Rocky Lane sent in to investigate a series of stagecoach robberies by a gang of unknown bandits. Rocky hooks up with Skeeter and stages a phony robbery in order to make contact with the gang. He meets Ed Hines (Walter Reed) who promises to put Rocky in touch with the boss. On their way to meet the boss, Rocky saves Ed's brother Tommy (Michael Chapin) from a runaway horse. In true "B" western fashion, Tommy needs that special operation to fix his leg. And oh yes, Tommy and Ed have a sweet young sister, Carol (Mary Ellen Kay).

Ed decides to warn Rocky not to meet with his boss. The boss turns out to be "respectable" citizen John Thorton (Stuart Randall). The gang has the loot stored in Republic's infamous cave set. Rocky and Skeeter manage to bring all to justice before the final fade out.

The film has a supporting cast filled with familiar faces. In addition to those already mentioned, there is the venerable Roy Barcroft as the chief henchman, William Bakewell as the contact man, James Craven as the Wells Fargo Chief, Forrest Taylor as the Doc and Lane Bradford, Lee Roberts and Jack Perrin in smaller parts.

An enjoyable hour.