The Last Outlaw (1936)

The Last Outlaw Poster

After serving 25 years in prison for robbery, Dean Payton returns to his home town to see his daughter, Sally, who is unaware he is her father. He befriends Cal Yates, the now semi-retired assistant sheriff who originally caught him, and Chuck Wilson, a young rancher who has eyes for Sally. Wanted criminal Al Goss holds up the local bank and makes his getaway, taking Sally hostage. Showing he still has what it takes, Payton, along with Yates and Wilson, take off into the hills on horseback to try to track Goss down. - Written by Doug Sederberg

Overview
"The Last Outlaw" is a 1936 American western movie directed by Christy Cabanne. It was composed by John Twist and the story was by Maurice Rapf. The movie is embeded in the Old American West and features characters who signify the trials and adversities of the period, featuring Harry Carey, Hoot Gibson, Tom Tyler, and Russell Hopton.

Plot
The story of "The Last Outlaw" focuses on a skeptical lawman named Lee, played by Harry Carey, and his battles to support order in the West. Three former jail inmates, Felton, Pringle, and Ruthledge, portrayed by Tom Tyler, Charles "Slim" Whitaker, and Russell Hopton are launched from jail and are aiming to restart their lives. Allegheny, a no-nonsense decline from the West Point Military Academy, leads this group.

As the story unfolds, Lee hires these freshly launched convicts to join his alertness squad, tasked with preserving peace in the wild western town. He tries to integrate them back into society by giving them power and responsibility. Nevertheless, their true colors shine through when they abuse the power conferred upon them, and instead of meting out justice, they develop an environment of worry and oppression.

Significant Turn of Events
The situation further intensifies as the trio begins causing chaos and eliminating wantonly. In particular, Ruthledge, apparently the most good of the group, shoots an innocent man in cold blood. Frightened and desperate, Lee chooses to remedy his error. He partner with Johnny, a rancher wrongfully framed for theft by the trio early in the film to bring them down.

Climax and Resolution
The climax of the film sees a grand showdown between Lee, Johnny, and the trio. Stricken with regret and identified to bring back peace, Lee takes on against his own worked with weapons. This conflict comes up with complex emotions and ethical grappling, embodying the internal struggle in between excellent and wicked.

In the end, justice dominates. Lee and Johnny manage to topple the metal-handed Ruthledge and his partners in criminal activity. Lee's regret for his misdirected trust and his efforts to best his wrongs stress the theme of redemption. The film concludes on an enthusiastic note, with peace restored in the town.

Crucial Reception and Influence
"The Last Outlaw" received prevalent crucial praise for its representation of the moral issues of the Wild West, along with its intricate characters. Harry Carey's performance as the repentant lawman was especially admired. The film holds historic significance as it encapsulates the essence of the Western category in timeless Hollywood.

Overall, "The Last Outlaw" succeeds in telling a compelling story of power, corruption, redemption, and justice, all while portraying the severe realities of the American Frontier. Through its appealing story and remarkable characters, it underscores the drama and complexity fundamental in the taming of the Wild West.

Top Cast

  • Harry Carey (small)
    Harry Carey
    Dean Payton
  • Hoot Gibson (small)
    Hoot Gibson
    Al Goss
  • Tom Tyler (small)
    Tom Tyler
    Al Goss
  • Henry B. Walthall (small)
    Henry B. Walthall
    Cal Yates
  • Margaret Callahan (small)
    Margaret Callahan
    Sally Mason
  • Ray Mayer
    Henchman Joe
  • Harry Jans
    Henchman Jess
  • Frank M. Thomas (small)
    Frank M. Thomas
    Dr. Charles Mason
  • Russell Hopton (small)
    Russell Hopton
    Sheriff Arthur Billings
  • Frank Jenks (small)
    Frank Jenks
    Deputy Tom
  • Maxine Jennings (small)
    Maxine Jennings
    Billings' Secretary