by Hans J. Wollstein
synopsis
MGM's only ever series Western hero, Tim McCoy, starred in this handsomely mounted production, which drew heavily on the Zorro legend. McCoy played the Masked Stranger, a stalwart U.S. Ranger going undercover to flush out a greedy Yankee (Roy D'Arcy) in Olde California. As always, McCoy was surrounded by a first-class supporting cast which this time included mustachioed D'Arcy, fondly remembered for his overripe performance as Gilbert's lecherous rival (and Erich Von Stroheim look-alike) in Von Stroheim's The Merry Widow (1925). Also featured were bucktoothed comedienne Polly Moran and the always menacing Richard R. Neill. Although the McCoy series was profitable, it was discontinued after the changeover to sound.
characteristics
- Sheriffs And Outlaws
- Going Undercover
- Robin-Hood
- Romance
- Romantic
- Theft
- Thief
- Robber
- Outlaw [Western]
- Gunman
- Bandit
- Gunslinger
- Heist
- Bad-guy
- Love
