The Arizona Ranger

This movie was part of Tim Holt's post-World War II western series at RKO, and arguably one of the best. It featured his father, former silent star and later character actor Jack Holt, playing his father, a big rancher who believes in handling his own problems without the law's help. When his son (played by Tim) returns with two buddies from the Spanish-American War and helps form the Arizona Rangers instead of returning to the ranch, their conflict is inevitable -- especially when Tim falls for Nan Leslie as the abused wife of rustler Steve Brodie. Ironically, Tim must save Brodie from being lynched by Jack at one point. The movie is rich in characters: Richard Martin as Chito Rafferty, Tim's traditional sidekick in the series, becomes part of the team including Tim's two soldier buddies. Paul Hurst, a fine actor later to become Monte Hale's co-star at Republic, is Jack Holt's grumpy ranch foreman. Although this was a B-western, the script was "A" quality, and the finale when father and son reunite to fight the outlaws is always good for an audience cheer.