Hidden Valley (1932)

Director:

Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:

Wellyn Totman (story)

Release Date:

10 October 1932 (USA)

Genre:

Western

Tagline:

Action and adventure in the air and on the range!

Plot:

Cowboy is hired by an archaeologist to help find "Hidden Valley", where an Indian gold treasure is supposed to be buried...

Plot Keywords:

Blimp

Cast

Bob Steele	...	Bob Harding
Gertrude Messinger	...	Joyce Lanners
Francis McDonald	...	Frank Gavin
Ray Hallor	...	Jimmie Lanners
John Elliott	...	Judge
Arthur Millett	...	Sheriff Dave Bristow
V.L. Barnes	...	McCord, prospector
George 'Gabby' Hayes	...	Gavin Henchman (Dark Hat) (as George Hayes)
Joe De La Cruz	...	Gomez, Gavin Henchman
Dick Dickinson	...	Gavin Henchman (White Hat)

Runtime:

57 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Lone Pine, California, USA

Company:

Monogram Pictures

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: In the film Bob Steele plays Bob Harding. Harding is falsely accused of murder and escapes from the courtroom. A newspaper headline states that he is still on the loose. As the camera pans down the page you can see the first line of the story. In the line Steele’s character is caller John Harding.

Movie Connections:

Remade as The Fighting Renegade (1939)

Just One Point Short of a Hidden Masterpiece!

This movie's outstanding production values are partly explained by the fact that it was filmed back to back with "Riders of the Desert". Fortunately this largess of striking location backgrounds helps to disguise some otherwise rather obvious holes in the plot of Wellyn Totman's excitingly punchy, well-characterized script.

Also contributing to this admirable deception are some solid slices of action including at least two really spectacular stunts, plus the climactic entrance of the Goodyear blimp, an even more fascinating object in 2008 than it was back in 1932. And still more thrilling, the blimp doesn't just hover around on the outskirts of the main play like a reluctant guest, but actually plays a vital part in this whole super-suspenseful escapade.

As well as Bradbury's stylishly energetic direction, some great acting in all roles, large and small, also helps to send viewers away happy. As might be expected, Bob Steele makes the most of a made-to-measure role, while Gertrude Messinger shines as the attractive heroine. Francis McDonald, as usual, is hard to beat as a serpentine heavy. Here he is ably assisted by George "Gabby" Hayes, Dick Dickinson and Joe De La Cruz. Also making a major contribution to the movie's success is Ray Hallor in his second last film (he died in 1944), as our heroine's brother, a most convincing milk-and-water turncoat.