Gun Code (1940)

A gang of extortionists is blackmailing a town for "protection" money. When a local citizen threatens to expose the town's leader, he is murdered. His son swears vengeance on the gang.

Director:

Sam Newfield

Writer:

Joseph O'Donnell (original story and screenplay)

Stars:

Tim McCoy, Inna Gest, Lou Fulton

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Tim McCoy	...	Marshal Tim Hammond posing asTim Hays
Inna Gest	...	Betty Garrett
Lou Fulton	...	'Curley' Haines (as Lew Fulton)
Stephen Chase	...	James M. Bradley - Banker (as Alder Chase)
Carleton Young	...	Henchman Slim Doyle (as Carlton Young)
Ted Adams	...	Sheriff Kramer
Robert Winkler	...	Jerry Garrett
Dave O'Brien	...	Henchman Gale
George Chesebro	...	Henchman Bart
Jack Richardson	...	Mike McClure
John Elliott	...	Parson A. Hammond

Storyline

An extortion gang, headed by Banker J. M. Bradley, controls the cowtown of Miller's Flats and saloon owner McClure aids Bradley in operating a so-called "business protectice organization". Garrett, reform editor of the newspaper is murdered, and Marshal Tim Hammond arrives to find his father, Parson Hammond, has also been killed. Garrett's young son, Jerry, takes Tim to his sister Betty, who is now editing the paper. Slim Doyle, collector for the gang, is beaten up by Tim as he tries to collect money from Betty. Under the name of Hays, Tim opens up a blacksmith shop. Bradley discovers Tim's true identity and orders him eliminated. With the aid of Sheriff Kramer, Tim has Slim arrested on a trumped-up charge of murder, and then incites the townspeople to stage a "fake" attack on the jail to lynch Slim, who breaks down and offers to confess. Betty is informed by telephone that the gang has kidnapped Jerry and he will only be released in exchange for Slim. The sheriff and Tim fake a fight...

---

Plot Keywords:

gangster | actor shares first name with character

---

Genres:

Western

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 August 1940 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Lei do Chumbo

Company Credits

Production Co:

Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

54 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

User Reviews

Marshal Tim enforces the Gun Code !!

Colonel Tim McCoy appears in this excellent Western programmer from 1940. McCoy stars as a Marshal who must go undercover to break up an extortion ring harassing a western town. The Henchmen are demanding "protection money" to protect the townsfolk from mischief.

The plot here is familiar, but well presented. The action, acting and pacing are all outstanding. Veteran western actors George Chesboro and Dave O'Brien turn in good performances as two of the henchman.

As a fan of Tim McCoy's films, I would rate this as one of his better efforts. His commanding & believable screen presence can elevate even a standard film to greatness. Enjoy this one !