Law of the Canyon (1947) Reviews

In the opening scene of this fine "Durango Kid" series entry, wannabe general store owner Steve Langtry (Charles Starrett) is robbed, wounded, and left for dead at Skeleton Pass by a gang of thugs. Rescued by prospector Smiley Burnette and brought to nearby Jackson City, Steve receives a ransom note demanding two thousand dollars for the return of his wagons. But instead of paying the ransom, as suggested by Dr. Middleton (Fred F. Sears), Steve dons the disguise of the Durango Kid, much to the excitement of Spike (Buzz Henry), Sheriff Coleman's (George Chesebro) impressionable son. In contrast, Steve without the disguise is considered a coward by all and sundry, especially the sheriff's pretty daughter Mary (Nancy Saunders). Our hero, of course, is in reality a secret agent and with the help of young Spike and Smiley, the leader of the gang of thugs is soon apprehended. In between the gunplay and fisticuffs, Texas Jim Lewis and his Lone Star Cowboys perform "I'm Riding the Trail Back Home" and "Way Back in Grandpa's Day," while in his inimitable way Smiley Burnette takes care of his own "Huntin' Trouble" and "With My Luck." ~ Hans J. Wollstein, Rovi