In Riders of the Timberlane, we follow the story of two men, Bart and Randy, in a classic western tale of friendship, love and revenge. Bart (William Boyd) is a forest ranger who finds himself in love with a beautiful young woman named Ruth (Jacqueline Wells). However, her father, John Garrett (Moroni Olsen) doesn't approve of their relationship and forbids Bart from seeing her. Meanwhile, Randy (Brad King) is a young man who is wrongly accused of a crime and is on the run from the law. He seeks refuge in the forest where he meets Bart and the two strike up a friendship.
Despite the obstacles they face, the two men work together to protect the forest from illegal loggers and keep the peace in the local community. As they spend more time together, they become closer, and Bart sees Randy as a younger brother. However, things take a turn for the worse when John Garrett's logs are stolen by a rival logging company, and he blames Bart and Randy for the theft. This leads to a violent confrontation between the two groups and threatens to tear the community apart.
One of the standout features of Riders of the Timberlane is the stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty and grandeur of the forest landscape. The action scenes are also well choreographed and provide plenty of excitement for fans of the western genre. The film also has a strong score, which helps to build tension and create a sense of drama.
William Boyd delivers a strong performance as Bart, the rugged forest ranger who is determined to protect the land at all costs. He brings a sense of gravitas to the role and carries the film well. Andy Clyde is also excellent as Bart's sidekick, providing comic relief and a sense of levity to the proceedings. Brad King is perhaps the weakest link in the cast, but he still manages to hold his own, and his character gives the film an added layer of depth.
One of the themes that runs throughout the film is the idea of family, both in terms of blood relations and the bonds that people form with each other. Bart and Randy's friendship is central to the story, and they become like brothers through their shared experiences. This is contrasted with John Garrett's obsession with his own family legacy, which leads him to make some questionable decisions.
Overall, Riders of the Timberlane is a solid western that delivers on all fronts. It has a great cast, stunning visuals, and a strong story that will keep viewers engaged from beginning to end. While it may not be the most original film in the genre, it still manages to stand out thanks to its high production values and memorable characters. It's a must-watch for any fans of westerns or classic cinema in general.
Riders of the Timberlane is a 1941 western with a runtime of 57 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.