Land Beyond the Law
Land Beyond the Law is a 1937 American Western film directed by B. Reeves Eason and written by Luci Ward and Joseph K. Watson. The film stars Dick Foran, Linda Perry, Wayne Morris, Harry Woods, Irene Franklin and Frank Orth. It was released by Warner Bros. on March 13, 1937. Plot. In the Old West, Charles "Chip" Douglas becomes the Sheriff of Bitter Creek after his father is killed by cattle rustlers who terrorize the ranchers in an ongoing range war. Chip makes it clear he will protect the ranchers and bring justice to the town . Louise Turner, daughter of saloon owner, Cattle Kate Turner, is attracted to Chip. The rustlers continue their reign of terror. Chip is ambushed and taken hostage by the rustlers, led by Tascosa. Deciding to quit Tascosa's gang, Dave Massey and Bandy Malarkey free Chip, who tells them to return to Bitter Creek and raise a posse. Meanwhile, Chip locates Tascosa and Slade Henaberry as the two make a deal for Henaberry to buy the stolen cattle. A fight ensues during which Henaberry is killed, but Tascosa escapes. Chip pursues Tascosa, but is slowed down by Tascosa's gang who  shoot at him. The posse arrives and a gunfight ensues, during which Tascosa rides away. Chip catches Tascosa and arrests him. Tascosa admits the stolen cattle are located in Hidden Valley. The cattle are returned and Chip and Louise ride off on Chip's horse as he sings "The Prairie Is My Home." Previous Versions. This was the third iteration of this story. The first was a 1927 silent of the same title, starring Ken Maynard. The second was 1932's "The Big Stampede", with John Wayne and Noah Beery, one of six Warner B-westerns that were all remakes  of Maynard silents, utilizing stock footage of the big action scenes (with Wayne wearing the same costume for matching purposes). This version has no footage from the previous two.