Clearing the Range (1931)

Clearing the Range Poster

A cowboy rides by night to catch the man who killed his brother.

Film Overview
"Clearing the Range" is a timeless Western movie launched in 1931. Directed by Otto Brower, it stars Hoot Gibson in the lead function as Curly Thompson. Other substantial stars include Sally Eilers, Hooper Atchley, and Mary Carr. The movie is set in the typical Western setting, where the protagonist combat the culprits to serve justice.

Plot Summary
The plot of "Clearing the Range" revolves around Curly Thompson (Hoot Gibson) seeking vengeance against the villain Frank Blake (Hooper Atchley) who murdered his sibling Larry. Frank Blake had fraudulently declared the land that initially came from the Thompson bros by forging files to make it seem as if the home was legally his own.

Action and Resolution
Thompson, nonplussed by his brother's abrupt death and the illegal appropriation of their land by Frank Blake, is determined about seeking justice. With the help of his brother's fiancée, Madge (Sally Eilers), who is likewise Larry's legal heir, they take part in a series of dramatic and daring events, seeking to reduce Blake and his malicious associates.

As the lead character, Curly Thompson utilizes different techniques, including exploiting his remarkable expertise in roping and wild horse taming, to challenge and fight the bad guy's sinister techniques. Curly programs exceptional bravery as he stands up against the conspirators and even when he's framed for a crime he didn't commit.

Climax and Conclusion
The climax of the film builds up when Curly, regardless of a number of efforts made on his life by Blake and his confrères, handles to turn the tables around, revealing the dirty deeds of Blake and unveiling the truth behind Larry's death. With the assistance of Madge and the law enforcement authorities, they are successful in exposing Blake's forgery and prove that the land rightfully belongs to Larry's successor, Madge.

The movie concludes with the arrest of Blake for his many criminal offenses, consisting of murder and forgery. With the successful "Clearing the Range" of the villain and his henchmen, Madge gains back rightful ownership of the land and justice is served for Larry's murder. As a classic trope of westerns, Curly and Madge form a romantic alliance, offering a complete and well-rounded ending to the film.

Final Thoughts
"Clearing the Range" is an essential western drama that encapsulates the themes of justice, revenge, and redemption. Hoot Gibson's performance as Curly Thompson is commendable, and he convincingly depicts the guts and gumption characteristic of a Western hero. The movie expertly integrates action, adventure, love, and littles funny, working as a beautiful example of pre-code Hollywood Westerns of the 1930s.

Top Cast

  • Hoot Gibson (small)
    Hoot Gibson
    Curt 'El Capitan' Fremont
  • Sally Eilers (small)
    Sally Eilers
    Mary Lou Moran
  • Hooper Atchley
    Lafe Kildare
  • Robert Homans (small)
    Robert Homans
    'Dad' Moran
  • Edward Peil Sr. (small)
    Edward Peil Sr.
    Sheriff Jim
  • George Mendoza
    Juan Conares
  • Edward Hearn (small)
    Edward Hearn
    Jim Fremont
  • Maston Williams
    George 'Slim' Allen
  • Eva Grippon
    Senora Conares