Wells Fargo Gunmaster

"Wells Fargo Gunmaster" is another entry in the long running Rocky Lane series. As usual Republic put together a competent, little series western starring long time Republic star Allan "Rocky" Lane. This one is different in that Chubby Johnson replaces series regular Eddy Waller as Rocky's partner. Interestingly enough, Johnson's character is named Skeeter Davis.

The story has Wells Fargo special agent Rocky Lane sent in to investigate a series of stagecoach robberies by a gang of unknown bandits. Rocky hooks up with Skeeter and stages a phony robbery in order to make contact with the gang. He meets Ed Hines (Walter Reed) who promises to put Rocky in touch with the boss. On their way to meet the boss, Rocky saves Ed's brother Tommy (Michael Chapin) from a runaway horse. In true "B" western fashion, Tommy needs that special operation to fix his leg. And oh yes, Tommy and Ed have a sweet young sister, Carol (Mary Ellen Kay).

Ed decides to warn Rocky not to meet with his boss. The boss turns out to be "respectable" citizen John Thorton (Stuart Randall). The gang has the loot stored in Republic's infamous cave set. Rocky and Skeeter manage to bring all to justice before the final fade out.

The film has a supporting cast filled with familiar faces. In addition to those already mentioned, there is the venerable Roy Barcroft as the chief henchman, William Bakewell as the contact man, James Craven as the Wells Fargo Chief, Forrest Taylor as the Doc and Lane Bradford, Lee Roberts and Jack Perrin in smaller parts.

An enjoyable hour.