Tracy the Outlaw

A foreword tells the tale: "Thirty years ago - fate changed a fun-loving, reckless westerner into an outlaw - in the flash of a gamblers (sic) gun. Misfortune made Harry Tracy a killer - circumstance forced him to death by his own hand - at the climax of the greatest man hunt in history!" That's about as exciting as it gets. Harry Tracy was a real outlaw, and this film is a heroic glorification of his criminal "life". If it had been better presented, the Harry Tracy name might have been as well-remembered as peers like Jesse James.

Along with the foreword storyline, you have Jack Hoey (as Harry Tracy) palling around with cell-mate Jean LaRue (as Dave Merrill). After they break out of jail, Mr. Hoey falls in love with Mr. LaRue's sister Dorris Chadwick (as Mary Merrill). Later on, LaRue finds out his sister was really adopted; then, he reveals he desires Ms. Chadwick for himself. She obviously still considers it incest, and is repulsed. A better pal, Howard Chandler (as Billy Weston), returns to help Hoey.

Directed by Otis B. Thayer, "Tracy the Outlaw" has some nice scenery. Otherwise, it's just plain dull.

** Tracy the Outlaw (1928) Otis B. Thayer ~ Jack Hoey, Dorris Chadwick, Jean LaRue