Johnny Reno (1966)

The townsfolk are set on lynching an accused killer held in the town lockup. But US Marshal Johnny Reno stands in their way.

Director:

R.G. Springsteen

Writers:

Steve Fisher (screenplay), Steve Fisher (story)

Stars:

Dana Andrews, Jane Russell, Lon Chaney Jr.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dana Andrews	...	Marshal Johnny Reno
Jane Russell	...	Nona Williams
Lon Chaney Jr.	...	Sheriff Hodges (as Lon Chaney)
John Agar	...	Ed Tomkins
Lyle Bettger	...	Mayor Jess Yates
Tom Drake	...	Joe Conners
Richard Arlen	...	Ned Duggan
Robert Lowery	...	Jake Reed
Tracy Olsen	...	Marie Yates
Regis Parton	...	Charlie -- Bartender (as Reg Parton)
Rodd Redwing	...	Indian Brave
Charles Horvath	...	Wooster
Dale Van Sickel	...	Ab Conners
Paul Daniel	...	Chief Little Bear
Chuck Hicks	...	Bellows

Storyline

One of the thirteen low-budget westerns produced by A.C. Lyles in the sixties. The premise is a simple one: Sheriff Johnny Reno is heading to a small town in order to see his one-time sweetheart Nona Williams. On the way, he is set upon by two brothers who think he is after them. Forced to shoot one, he captures the other Joe Conners and brings him into town. His prisoner insists he is innocent of the crime the whole town wants him hanged for, and after hearing his story, will Andrews believe him?

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Plot Keywords:

siege | character name as title | town marshal | indian henchman | indian chief | 

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Taglines:

On the trail of justice.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lon Chaney Jr.'s seventh Western for producer A.C. Lyles.

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Goofs

During the brawl between Dana Andrews and Lyle Bettger, the faces of their stunt doubles are seen frequently and in close-up, particularly in the final moments.

User Reviews

Jane Russell and Lon Chaney

1965's "Johnny Reno" was number 7 of the 13 Paramount Westerns from house producer A.C. Lyles, returning many veteran performers from previous entries: Dana Andrews (second), Lon Chaney (7 for 7), John Agar (fourth), Lyle Bettger (second), Richard Arlen (sixth), Robert Lowery (second), Reg Parton (fifth), Rodd Redwing (second), plus first timers Jane Russell and Tom Drake. The Conners brothers are accused of killing an educated young Indian in the Kansas town of Stone Junction, where federal marshal Johnny Reno (Dana Andrews) hopes to rekindle old flame Nona Williams (the still scrumptious Jane Russell). Thinking the marshal is pursuing them, the brothers open fire on Reno, who kills Ab Conners (Dale Van Sickel) in self defense, taking the wounded Joe Conners (Tom Drake) into custody. Stone Junction's mayor, Jess Yates (Lyle Bettger), seems all too anxious for Reno to return to St. Louis and leave his prisoner with Sheriff Hodges (Lon Chaney), which only whets the marshal's curiosity about the facts behind the murder charge. The longer he sticks around, the greater his suspicions become, and with the formerly cowed sheriff regaining his pride by backing Reno, prejudice and bigotry are soon vanquished. Lyle Bettger makes for an effectively slimy villain, John Agar and Robert Lowery in compliance, while Tom Drake is believable in his desperation. Jane Russell ably provides the surprisingly strong love interest, her backstory similar to that of Johnny Reno, living down past mistakes made out of love or loyalty. His career slowly winding down, Lon Chaney once again enjoys a chance to shine as Sheriff Hodges, refusing to allow vigilantism in standing up for law and order, getting shot in his final act of selflessness. The lone actor to thus far appear in all seven Lyles Westerns, Chaney only did one more, 1967's "Buckskin" (the last of the 13 to be released).

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 June 1966 (UK)

Also Known As:

Johnny Reno

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

A.C. Lyles Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1