"Smokey Smith" was another of Bob Steele's poverty row "B" westerns directed by his father Robert N. Bradbury.
Smokey Smith (Steele) is riding along with his parents (Horace B. Carpenter, Vane Calvert) towards a new life when their wagon is attacked by an outlaw gang while he is away looking for water. His parents are killed and Smith vows revenge. We later learn that the gang headed by the villainous Kent (Warner Richmond) was responsible. They have been living with and taking orders from Blaze Bart - now there's a name (George "pre-Gabby" Hayes) who just happens to have a comely young step daughter named Bess.
Smith meanwhile, finds out that Kent and his gang were responsible for his parents' death and sets about to bring them to justice. Unfortunately he is captured and left in the desert to die. He manages to find his way back to town and with the support of the local sheriff (Earl Dwire) hones his skills as a fast on the draw gunfighter. The sheriff christens him "Smokey" because of all the smoke generated by the rapid firing of his six shooter. (I know, I called him "Smokey" from the beginning, but I don't think that we ever learn his real name).
Kent refuses to obey Blaze's orders and the two have a falling out. Smith, meanwhile is back on the trail of Kent and his gang. After Blaze's attempt to stop Kent fails, Smith confronts Kent and..................................................
It is interesting to see Hayes just on the brink of becoming that lovable crotchety old scalawag which he is best remembered. He played many character parts, on both sides of the law, in a long list of "B" oaters, notably John Wayne's Lone Star Westerns of 1933-35. And they didn't come any meaner than the sneering Warner Richmond one of the best "B" villains of the 1930s.
There's a great shot of Steele wandering past a majestic cliff formation as he stumbles his way out of the desert and a rip snortin' shoot out between the good guys and bad guts that set this one apart.
Plenty of action and fast paced direction from Director Bradbury.
Smokey Smith (Steele) is riding along with his parents (Horace B. Carpenter, Vane Calvert) towards a new life when their wagon is attacked by an outlaw gang while he is away looking for water. His parents are killed and Smith vows revenge. We later learn that the gang headed by the villainous Kent (Warner Richmond) was responsible. They have been living with and taking orders from Blaze Bart - now there's a name (George "pre-Gabby" Hayes) who just happens to have a comely young step daughter named Bess.
Smith meanwhile, finds out that Kent and his gang were responsible for his parents' death and sets about to bring them to justice. Unfortunately he is captured and left in the desert to die. He manages to find his way back to town and with the support of the local sheriff (Earl Dwire) hones his skills as a fast on the draw gunfighter. The sheriff christens him "Smokey" because of all the smoke generated by the rapid firing of his six shooter. (I know, I called him "Smokey" from the beginning, but I don't think that we ever learn his real name).
Kent refuses to obey Blaze's orders and the two have a falling out. Smith, meanwhile is back on the trail of Kent and his gang. After Blaze's attempt to stop Kent fails, Smith confronts Kent and..................................................
It is interesting to see Hayes just on the brink of becoming that lovable crotchety old scalawag which he is best remembered. He played many character parts, on both sides of the law, in a long list of "B" oaters, notably John Wayne's Lone Star Westerns of 1933-35. And they didn't come any meaner than the sneering Warner Richmond one of the best "B" villains of the 1930s.
There's a great shot of Steele wandering past a majestic cliff formation as he stumbles his way out of the desert and a rip snortin' shoot out between the good guys and bad guts that set this one apart.
Plenty of action and fast paced direction from Director Bradbury.