The Cattle Thief

Here's a series western that has everything a 1936 audience would want. Ken Maynard was a popular star since the 1920s. In this one he plays not only the lead but also, in disguise, a hick peddler for some laughs. And if two roles weren't enough, Ken's also an avenging masked rider! While Gene Autry made the singing western popular, Maynard actually came out with some records singing in the early 1930s. Here, he also plays guitar and sings in authentic country style.

The settings are picturesque as this was shot in Lone Pine, California, one of the most beautiful locations for outdoor action. Ward Bond is perfect as a villain and Spencer G. Bennet provides an assured keen eye, having directed action films for over a decade at this point. This is one of Maynard's best and ironically one of his last last truly good films as a leading man. Over the next 8 years the quality of his films would decline and new western stars would become more popular.