Desperate Trails (1939)

In the turbulent wild west of 1939, following the close of "The Phantom Stage," Universal invites audiences to embark on a new thrilling series. "Desperate Trails" stars Johnny Mack Brown, a seasoned hero in Universal's western repertoire, along with the fading star Bob Baker and charismatic comedian Fuzzy Knight. Together, they form an unpredictable trio, mirroring the successful formula of Republic's "Three Mesquiteers" series. Our story begins in the lawless town of Denton, where deep shadows of corruption are cast over the once peaceful settlement. The Marshal dispatches Steve Hayden, a man known for his courage and cunning, to investigate an inexplicable surge of rustling. Hayden's mission: to restore the fragile balance of law and order. The puppet masters behind the town's chaos are the fearsome Big Bill Tanner and the sly town banker, Melenkthy Culp. As their desperation grows, so too does their enjoyment of the havoc they wreak. Into this whirlwind of lawlessness arrives Judith Lantry, a stranger from the east, here to inspect her ranch holdings maintained by her cousin, Bill "Cousin Willie" Strong. Sensing a threat to their fraudulent empire, Tanner and Culp send their trusted henchman Ortega after Lantry. But their plan is foiled as Hayden swoops in, saving her from a grim fate. As gratitude and trust blossom between Lantry, Cousin Willie, and Hayden, they install our hero as the caretaker of the ranch. Swiftly, Hayden purges the ranch of its corrupt foreman, Lon, and replaces him with honest cowhands, led by the reliable Clem Waters. In a daring pursuit, Hayden intercepts Lon in possession of 200 of Judith's horses, forcing a confession from him and exposing the true masterminds of the rustling, Tanner and Culp. However, this victory is short-lived as the cunning Sheriff misleads the townsfolk, painting Hayden as a murderer and rustler. A vigilante group forms, their sights set on bringing in the man they believe to be the true villain. "Desperate Trails" promises viewers an exhilarating ride through treacherous turns and thrilling showdowns, as Hayden must clear his name and bring justice to Denton.

Desperate Trails is a drama movie featuring Johnny Mack Brown and directed by Albert Ray.

Desperate Trails is currently streaming on DIRECTV and Starz.