Rawhide Romance (1934)
Director:
Victor Adamson (as Denver Dixon)
Writer:
L.V. Jefferson (story)
Stars:
Jay Wilsey, Si Jenks, Lafe McKee
The seventh of eight terrible Westerns produced by Victor Adamson's comically misnamed Superior Talking Pictures, Rawhide Romance was reportedly filmed for around 2,500 dollars, a ridiculous amount even for the height of the depression. The story concerns a Western dude ranch under siege by a gang of outlaws, one of whom, Jack Evans, masquerades as a ranch hand. The gang is after rich Easterner Lafe McKee, whose daughter is to be betrothed to handsome ranch foreman Buffalo Bill Jr. A misunderstanding occurs and the two lovebirds are found in the same bunk house together -- less than fully clothed. A shotgun wedding is one solution to the moral dilemma and the local circuit rider is called to perform the ceremony. The minister is ambushed by gang leader Boris Bullock, who sees a way to gain access to the wealthy ranch guests. With larceny on his mind, gang leader Boris Bullock impersonates the local minister in order to gain access to a priceless piece of jewelry. The villain's true identity is quickly revealed, happily, and the real circuit rider arrives to perform the ceremony. Several members of this film's cast and crew worked under an alias of some kind, beginning with producer Adamson, who also billed himself Denver Dixon or Art Mix. Hero Buffalo Bill Jr. was increasingly known as Jay Wilsey, while the lead villain, Boris Bullock, had starred as Kit Carson and played supporting roles as William Barrymore.