The Lawless Nineties

Marred slightly by rear-screen projection and stock footage, "The Lawless Nineties" still rates very high for its superior cast, starring John Wayne, and script and directing by Joseph Kane.

There is only a little historical accuracy here, but that is irrelevant in this exciting production, made even more exciting by the usual excellent stunt work by the greats Yakima Canutt and Cliff Lyons.

Just one example of superlative acting is provided in a scene where Etta McDaniel is holding a broom, standing at the back of a meeting room. Right next to the spittoon.

One of the meeting attenders turns around to spit, and she watches carefully. And in turn she needs to be watched carefully, she and the spitter.

The expression on her face is priceless.She was a marvelous actress, and part of the famous acting family that included her more famous sister Hattie and her brother Sam.

All up and down the list of players is quality, including the prolific Tom London and the great villain Charles King.

Some other reviewers must not really know much about the history of B Westerns since they kept expressing surprise at the appearance of George W. Hayes as the editor, called usually "Major" Carter but at least once "Colonel" Carter.

His daughter is played by the adorable Ann Rutherford.

There is a good print at YouTube, apparently recorded from a presentation by AMC. I highly recommend "The Lawless Nineties."