The Feud Maker (1938)

Directed by Sam Newfield and released by Republic Pictures, The Feud Maker is a classic B-Western starring Bob Steele, one of the genre’s most enduring cowboy heroes. With a runtime of just 55 minutes, it delivers a compact tale of loyalty, justice, and frontier conflict—set against the backdrop of a brewing range war.

Plot Summary
Tex Ryan (Bob Steele), also known as the Wind River Kid, is called in to mediate a violent feud between cowmen and nesters (homesteaders). But things get complicated when Tex discovers that the outlaw leader behind the unrest is none other than his former boss, Rand Lassiter (Karl Hackett), now operating under the alias Ross Landers.

As Tex navigates shifting allegiances and escalating tensions, he must choose between old loyalties and doing what’s right. With the help of Sally Harbison (Marion Weldon), Tex sets out to expose Lassiter and bring peace to the valley.

Cast Highlights

• Bob Steele as Tex Ryan / Wind River Kid
• Marion Weldon as Sally Harbison
• Karl Hackett as Rand Lassiter / Ross Landers
• Frank Ball as Ben Harbison
• Budd Buster as Cowlick Connors
• Lew Meehan, Roger Williams, and Forrest Taylor in supporting roles
• Features a large ensemble of uncredited performers, many of whom played multiple roles by simply changing costumes

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• The saloon set used in the film previously appeared in exploitation films like Marihuana (1936) and Gambling with Souls (1936)
• Director Sam Newfield was one of the most prolific filmmakers of the era, often working under multiple pseudonyms to churn out low-budget Westerns
• The film was shot quickly and economically, typical of Republic’s B-picture strategy, but still features outdoor action scenes that lend authenticity to the dusty frontier setting