Gun Code

Oddly, the plot of "Gun Code" sounds much like the plot of a gangster picture of the era! In this case, a gang is offering 'protection' from townsfolk...and if they don't pay, bad things happen to them in this western town..such as when they kill the newspaper editor and the parson. So, it's up to our beloved action hero, Marshall Tim Hammong (Tim McCoy), to save the day and make things safe for the people.

Tim McCoy was NOT one of the pretty cowboys of the era and he never sang. Instead, he was a real-life Colonel who lived in the west, spoke Indian languages and was a crack shot who performed on stage. Because he was, in many ways, 'the real McCoy', I find his movies far better than most B-westerns of the day.

Here in "Gun Code", McCoy is much more pugnacious than normal...and gets in fight after fight with members of the Protection Association. It fits the plot...so I am not complaining. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that the identity of the leader of the baddies is pretty obvious. Still, it is an entertaining and well mad cheap B-movie....and one worth seeing.

telephones

By the way, at one point Tim refers to the actions of the Protective Association as 'blackmail'. This is not the correct term, as blackmailers use negative facts against someone to get their money. Instead, what they are doing is extortion....where you threaten violence unless someone pays you.

Colonel Tim McCoy appears in this excellent Western programmer from 1940. McCoy stars as a Marshal who must go undercover to break up an extortion ring harassing a western town. The Henchmen are demanding "protection money" to protect the townsfolk from mischief.

The plot here is familiar, but well presented. The action, acting and pacing are all outstanding. Veteran western actors George Chesboro and Dave O'Brien turn in good performances as two of the henchman.

As a fan of Tim McCoy's films, I would rate this as one of his better efforts. His commanding & believable screen presence can elevate even a standard film to greatness. Enjoy this one !