Law of the North

Harry Fraser wrote and directed this picture for Trem Carr's "Bill and Andy" series, the net result falling somewhat below the standard set by other releases in the group. An early talkie retaining characteristics of the silent era, this one opens very abruptly with Bill Cody bending over a fallen individual on the plains. He is immediately pursued by a group of townsfolk who believe him to be a murderer and, despite the protestations of his young friend (Andy Shuford), Bill is trapped and jailed. The story concerns his efforts to prove, in a very roundabout fashion, that he has been framed by an old nemesis (William L. Thorne).

Nadine Dore is the very pretty leading lady, and there is a bit of humor by Al St. John, with whom Trem Carr was associated in silent comedies. One does not find, however, the strong plot, suspense, brisk direction, lively stunt-work, or good character support which are present, to varying degrees, in other entries in the series. One must keep in mind that theater patrons who followed a series usually did so because they liked the basic premise, the characters, or the actors involved. Bill Cody fans no doubt cheered him on to the final fadeout in this one, and eagerly awaited the next Cody western from Monogram Pictures - which, alas, would also turn out to be the last.