by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Hit the Saddle has enjoyed more latter-day attention than most of Republic's "Three Mesquiteers" western films thanks to the presence of young Rita Hayworth. Billed under her given name of Cansino, Rita plays a seductive saloon thrush who breaks the heart of Mesquiteer Stony Brook (Robert Livingston). Her role in the proceedings is secondary to the main thrust of the plot: Evil cattle rancher J.P. McGowan has been stealing wild horses from government-owned territory. McGowan murders a local sheriff and pins the blame on a wild stallion. The Mesquiteers (Livingston, Ray "Crash" Corrigan and Max Terhune) prove the nag's innocence, but not before McGowan is hoist on his own petard.
characteristics
- Gunfight
- Wild [undomesticated]
- Territory
- Mustang
- Outlaw [Western]
- Stallion
- Sheriff
- Righting The Wronged
- Horse
- Investigation
- Gunslinger
- Bandit
- Deceit
- Cattle
- Gunman
