Circle of Death (1935)

Having allowed his name to be listed as "producer" of Gun Smoke, a low-budget Western actually produced by Willis Kent, rodeo star Montie Montana starred in this inexpensive oater, but without the phony producer credit. Originally intended for football star Reb Russell, Circle of Death featured Montana as Little Buffalo, an Indian whose sister, White Fawn (Princess Ah-Tee-Ha), is persecuted by the white settlers, in general, and crooked saloon keeper J.F. Henry (Henry Hall), in particular. Henry is out after Chief Standing Bear's secret gold, but the Indians find shelter at the ranch belonging to Bill Carr (John Ince). When Jerry Carr (Gaylord "Steve" Pendleton, here billed as "Jack Carson") sells the family's cattle to Henry, it is Little Buffalo and the Indians who bring the herd back. In gratitude, the Carrs help the tribe bring the villains to justice. Little Buffalo, meanwhile, has fallen in love with Mary Carr (Tove Lindan) and she with him. After Little Fawn reveals that Little Buffalo is really a white boy named Jim Little, the lone survivor of an Indian raid, the lovers are free to marry. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, Rovi