Hit the Saddle (1937; B&W):
Murderous rustler Rance McGowan tries to steal a wild herd of federally protected horses. Fortunately for the townsfolk, Sheriff Miller and the Three Mesquiteers keep a watchful eye over McGowan's operations -- thwarting his henchmen. Rance now comes up with a new scheme to
twist the law in his favor. McGowan paints a killer stallion to impersonate the
lead pinto of the wild horses and create chaos that he hopes will revoke the
herd's government protection. Sheriff Miller is killed by McGowan's rampaging
horse and Tucson Smith is appointed as the new Sheriff. Stony Brooke divides his
attentions between the beautiful cantina singer, Rita (Rita Hayworth) and
proving the horse's innocence. The Mesquiteers must discover the truth to foil McGowan's evil plot.
Although there were more than two dozen films featuring The Three Mesquiteers,
Hit the Saddle stands out among aficionados, due in part to the presence of
young Rita Cansino -- just months before signing with Columbia Pictures and
changing her name to Hayworth. Additionally, the fight between the pinto and
McGowan's imposter horse, was originally filmed a decade earlier for Devil Horse
(1926) and has become one of the most re-used stock scenes in western films.
BONUS FEATURE: Call of the Mesquiteers (1938; B&W):
Held at gun point, the Three Mesquiteers are forced to aid the getaway of a group of murderous train robbers. Responding to the killing and looting on the Desert Express, police pursue the
criminals and their hostages. A bloody shoot-out ensues, leaving the thieves
dead and the Mesquiteers in possession of the stolen bounty. With no way to
prove their innocence, the three hapless heroes make a daring escape. Hunted by
both the law and an angry lynch mob, the Mesquiteers must stay on the run as
they fight to clear their names.
Starring: Bob Livingston, Max Terhune & Ray Corrigan
Directed by: Mack V. Wright & John English
Hit the Saddle & Call of the Mesquiteers (DVD Movie) . . .
