User Reviews

Nasty outlaw Willie Brady and his henchman arrive in Sand Creek and start pushing people around. Then it's learned that fine sheriff Clay Houston has been bushwhacked and murdered. Maybe that's why Brady is acting so nasty? The Ranger and Tonto arrive and learn that Clay's rancher brother, Jim, has taken over a sheriff, but he isn't much a of a gun hand and his wife Betty is terribly upset and is sure he will be killed. The Ranger and Tonto teach Jim how to properly draw and fire his six gun. The Ranger knows that he and Tonto can't interfere in a fair showdown between Jim and Brady. But maybe they can at least make sure it is a fair fight. The climax is a genuine old west showdown in the middle of the street. However, The Ranger isn't one of the participants. Young Paul Burke is properly menacing as the murderous Brady. Christian Drake plays Jim Houston. This was the third of his three LR appearances. He had an active Hollywood career during the 1950s. However, unlike his character in this episode, Christian did know all about firearms, serving as a marine in WWII with Carlson's Raiders. He was wounded on Guadalcanal. This is another excellent season 4 episode.

THIS INSTALLMENT OF the classic series is just a tad better than most, Sure, we admit it has most of the usual elements that are so familiar in the story-line. But here in addition to the towns peoples' problems with ruthless outlaws, we have something usually not emphasized.

IN ADDITION TO the investigative work and decisive action taken by the Lone Ranger & Tonto, it is the dedication of the local rustics that wins the day. When the brother of rancher James Houston (Christian Drake) is killed in the line of duty, he dutifully steps into the job. Of course, Lone Ranger & Tonto do their share of the work of meeting the gang's reign of terror; but it is the younger Houston brother who provides the determined, tenacious and ultimately successful efforts in defeating the gang.

MOST INTERESTING TO us was the presence of a young Paul Burke, who portrayed the gang head-honcho. We did not at first recognize him, and chalked this up to Mr. Burke's acting ability. During this period he shows up often in supporting guest roles in many a series and "B" Picture. Series included shots in DRAGNET, PERRY MASON, several Warner Bros. TV series and three episodes of the ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN.

WE WERE ALSO surprised to see him in an uncredited part in the Bowery Boys entry, SPY CHASERS (Allied Artists (Monogram), 1955. His characterization in this one shou3d a definite displayed a multi leveled talent; who could even "ham it up", when the situation called for same.