The Night Riders (1939): The Lone Star Riders vs. Land Fraud in Republic’s Western Serial Tradition
The Night Riders is a 1939 American Western film directed by George Sherman, produced by Republic Pictures, and starring the ensemble known as the Three Mesquiteers—John Wayne, Ray “Crash” Corrigan, and Max Terhune. It runs approximately 55 minutes and is part of Republic’s long-running Three Mesquiteers series, which featured over 50 films between 1936 and 1943.
Plot Summary
Set in the post–Civil War Southwest, the film follows the Mesquiteers—Stony Brooke (John Wayne), Tucson Smith (Ray Corrigan), and Lullaby Joslin (Max Terhune)—as they confront a corrupt scheme involving fraudulent land grants. A group of settlers is swindled by Talbot Pierce (George Douglas), who claims to hold royal authority as a descendant of Spanish nobility. Pierce and his henchmen exploit the settlers, demanding tribute and enforcing their rule with violence. The Mesquiteers rally the townsfolk, expose Pierce’s fraud, and restore justice through a mix of gunfights, daring action, and comic relief. The narrative blends patriotic themes with frontier justice, reflecting Republic’s formula of action, humor, and moral clarity.
Cast
- John Wayne as Stony Brooke
- Ray “Crash” Corrigan as Tucson Smith
- Max Terhune as Lullaby Joslin
- George Douglas as Talbot Pierce
- Ruth Rogers as Maria
- Kermit Maynard, Tom London, and Reed Howes in supporting roles
Production Notes & Trivia
- Directed by George Sherman, who helmed many entries in the Three Mesquiteers series.
- Produced by Republic Pictures, which used the series as a proving ground for rising stars.
- One of John Wayne’s early leading roles, released the same year as his breakthrough in Stagecoach (1939).
- The plot about fraudulent land grants echoes real historical anxieties about property rights in the American West.
- Runtime of about 55 minutes, typical of Republic’s efficient B‑western format.
- The Three Mesquiteers films were popular for their blend of action, camaraderie, and light comedy, influencing later Western ensembles.
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