4.0 out of 5 stars
Adventures on the Frontier, September 3, 2010
West of the Badlands, 1940 film [This was also known as "The Border Legion".]
The film says that in 1875 there was a vast stretch of land called Idaho Territory rich in land and gold where many outlaws sought a refuge. The story starts with men in wagons and horses going along a country road. A barrel falls off a freight wagon. A stowaway? Honest John Whittaker is a "promoter". Hurricane Hattie runs a tight ship. A young man can sing and play guitar for food. The US Marshal offered a $5,000 reward for the capture of the outlaws known as "The Border Legion". The stagecoach was held up, a lady passenger shot. The seven outlaws walk into Hattie's tavern. Steve Kells operates to save Alice Randall. The stagecoach driver recognizes the pinto horse as belonging to the outlaws. But the outlaws make their escape in a running gun battle. The stagecoach upsets on the rough road.
We learn who Kells is shielding: Alice's brother. Honest John pays Hattie in stock certificates, not cash! Kells is taken to treat a patient. "You're the doctor." Some question the validity of Whittaker's claims. There is news of a rich strike at Alder Creek. Whittaker is released. Kells sings a traditional song at the outlaws' house. The Miles City bank is moving its gold! An opportunity for The Border Legion, who ride into town to rob the gold after it is loaded for transport. The people in town chase after them; more gun shots. Kells explains his role to the marshal, and how he can catch the outlaws. The outlaws free Kells from jail. Kells suggests knocking over the Alder Creek gold shipment. Jim Gulden will open a saloon in town so he can gather information.
Whittaker is elected Mayor of Alder Creek on a promise of "law and order". He is now a rich man. Jim the saloon owner is the head of The Border Legion but untouchable (for now). Can Alice contact Kells? Sheriff Lahey agrees to this scheme. They plant a rumor about a gold shipment leaving at noon. Santos, Jim's man, learns about the plot to catch the gang. But Kells ties him up to prevent a warning. But Santos is clever and escapes to warn Jim, who will take action. But Kells has a counter plan that works. There is good news after The Border Legion is eliminated. There is a happy ending for Steve Kells now.
This has an interesting and complex story that is entertaining and educational. Roy Rogers played varying characters in his movies. The good guy who is suspect and redeems himself by going undercover was a recurring theme in Westerns.
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