This film is a color B+ Western based on the "The Lone Ranger" television series, starring Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels and Michael Ansara. It was the first of two feature films made in the 1950s based on the TV series, the second was The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold (1958).
The Lone Ranger (1956) was directed by Stuart Heisler, and was filmed mostly at the Kanab Movie Ranch in Utah.
But, it has a few good outdoor scenes lensed at Bronson Cave, Chatsworth's Iverson Ranch and Corriganville.
Plot:
A Southwestern territorial governor has asked the Lone Ranger to investigate mysterious raids on white settlers by Native Americans who ride with saddles (screenshot above).
A greedy rancher Reese Kilgore (Lyle Bettger - screenshot above) is trying to expand his ranch to include Spirit Mountain which is sacred the Indians.
The Lone Ranger discovers that Kilgore is trying to start a war between settlers and the Indians to scare settlers away because he has discovered rich silver deposits on Spirit Mountain (screenshot above left). Spirit Mountain is actually a matte painting (on glass) that was added to the scene.
The Masked Man and his faithful Indian companion ride in to hopefully stop a conflict between settlers and the Indians (screenshot above).
All in all The Lone Ranger (1956) is a highly entertaining Western movie that isn't nearly as hokey as some of the television episodes.
Best of all it has all the components that made the TV series a success:
The "William Tell Overture" by Gioachino Rossini is played in background over the opening credits.
Clayton Moore once again dons his old prospector disguise as he did many times in the TV series (screenshot above).
The Lone Ranger's trusty horse Silver rescues him after he is wounded by outlaws (screenshot above).
And, as in the television series, Tonto always shows up just in the nick of time when he is most needed.
The film has all the explosive action you could want in a good Lone Ranger yarn.
Cast:
Clayton Moore (above) as The Lone Ranger
Jay Silverheels (above) as Tonto
Lyle Bettger as Reece Kilgore
Bonita Granville as Welcome Kilgore
Perry Lopez as Pete Ramirez
Robert J. Wilke as Cassidy
John Pickard as Sheriff Sam Kimberley
Beverly Washburn as Lila Kilgore
Michael Ansara as Angry Horse
Frank DeKova as Chief Red Hawk
Charles Meredith as Governor
Mickey Simpson as Powder
Zon Murray as Goss
Lane Chandler as Chip Walker
Production Company: Wrather Productions (as Lone Ranger Inc.)
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures
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Who was that masked man? I wanted to thank him... He's the Lone Ranger!
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The supporting cast also includes Bonita Granville (wife of Producer Jack Wrather - screenshot above right) as Bettger's wife in her last film appearance.
This was one of my favorite movies I remember seeing on the big screen as a youngster. I was also at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Rodeo that year (1956) when fans were treated by visit from Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, The Lone Ranger and Tonto (photo above). Yippy Yi Yea!
Learn more about Reel Cowboy Clayton Moore at
For more information about the Chatsworth filming locations visit http://www.cowboyup.com/ and learn about my books: Rendezvous at Boulder Pass: Hollywood's Fantasyland © 2010 (ISBN: 978-0-615-21522-8) and Reel Cowboys of the Santa Susanas © 2008 (ISBN: 978-0-615-21499-3)
For years I listened to The Lone Ranger on the radio. By brother tells me they made 3000 episodes. But the transition to TV was excellent.
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