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).
