As a western, "The Law Rides" (1936) is both quite competent and in many ways quite routine, although it does have at least three or four novel script ideas. Its chief point of interest is not the conflict between our diminutive if plucky hero Bob Steele and super villain Charlie (sic) King, but the presence of songwriter, Harley Wood ("Let There Be Peace On Earth"), as the beautiful blonde heroine who can ride with the best of them. Also to be noted in the cast is the usually uncredited movie veteran Buck Connors, who for once has a major role here as Whitey. He even figures prominently on Alpha's DVD cover! Director Robert North Bradbury has taken full advantage of his atmospherically bleak desert locations and works up a considerable amount of interest in the fate of our heroes, Steele and Connors. Available on an excellent Alpha DVD, along with another Bob Steele entry, "Smokey Smith".
Review of The Law Rides
