The Lucky Texan (1934) Director: Robert N. Bradbury Studio: Lone Star Productions / Monogram Pictures Starring: John Wayne (Jerry Mason), Barbara Sheldon (Betty Benson), George "Gabby" Hayes (Jake "Grandy" Benson), Yakima Canutt, Lloyd Whitlock Release Date: January 22, 1934 Runtime: 55 minutes Format: Black & White | Mono | Sound | Live Action Country: United States Language: English Genres: Western | Action | Adventure | B-Western | Early John Wayne --- Summary: The Lucky Texan follows Jerry Mason, a young and spirited cowboy who partners with his prospector friend, Grandy Benson, in a quest for gold. After striking it rich, their good fortune is soon threatened by greedy townsfolk and a devious plot to frame them for robbery and murder. With sharp riding, quick thinking, and a lot of grit, Jerry fights to clear their names and defend their claim. Filled with classic Western action—from horseback chases to barroom brawls—this early John Wayne vehicle is a fast-paced adventure about friendship, justice, and frontier perseverance. --- Background: One of several Westerns John Wayne made with director Robert N. Bradbury for Monogram Pictures (under the Lone Star Productions label), The Lucky Texan was part of a string of low-budget films that helped shape Wayne’s on-screen cowboy persona in the years before Stagecoach (1939) launched him to stardom. Featuring Gabby Hayes in one of his earliest and most comedic mentor roles, the film also showcases early stunt work by the legendary Yakima Canutt, who appears on screen and choreographed several action scenes. Though a B-movie by definition, its pacing and charm have made it a staple of classic Western collections. --- Trivia: Gabby Hayes had not yet adopted his trademark beard, appearing younger and more energetic. Stuntman Yakima Canutt, who also plays the villain, helped pioneer action stunts still used in Hollywood today. This is one of 16 “Lone Star” Westerns John Wayne made in the early 1930s. Despite a tight budget and short runtime, the film includes horseback stunts, fistfights, and courtroom drama. Now in the public domain, The Lucky Texan is widely distributed on DVD and online streaming. A favorite among early John Wayne fans for its youthful energy and frontier optimism. --- Hashtags: #TheLuckyTexan #JohnWayne #GabbyHayes #1930sWestern #ClassicWestern #PublicDomainFilm #LoneStarProductions #MonogramPictures #YakimaCanutt #BWestern #EarlyJohnWayne #OldHollywood #WesternAdventure #CowboyMovie #VintageWestern #FrontierJustice #WesternFilmHistory #BlackAndWhiteClassic #WesternFans #HorsebackAction