The New Frontier


59m 1935

Brief Synopsis

In 1889 pioneers race ahead of the law to claim free land in Oklahoma, forming wide-open towns. In one such, citizens elect Milt Dawson to challenge the self-appointed rule of gambler Ace Holmes, only to have him shot in the back. But leading the next batch of settlers is Milt's quick-on-the-draw son John, who gets help from friendly outlaws.

Film Details

Genre
Western
Release Date
Oct 24, 1935
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Republic Pictures Corp.
Distribution Company
Republic Pictures Corp.
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Duration
59m
Sound
Mono
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
6 reels

Synopsis

After the Cherokee Strip is opened to homesteaders, Milt Dawson is unable to sway his son John's desire to work on a trail herd. John loves Hanna Lewis, but has been hired to lead a group of settlers from Kansas through Indian territory back to Frontier, Oklahoma. Frontier's vice activities are controlled by Ace Holmes, who plans to drive away the locals and sell their property to newcomers for a profit. After Ace kills peace-loving Bert Sawyer, Hanna's father Tom urges the citizens to hire a sheriff. Milt accepts the position reluctantly, and after he warns Ace to change his ways, Ace shoots him in the back. On the trail, John's wagon train is attacked by outlaw Kit and his gang, who are looking for food and gold. John makes peace with the outlaws by agreeing to drop off a supply of food. When John arrives in Frontier, he is dismayed by the news of his father's murder, and then takes on the sheriff's responsibilities. John orders Ace to close his establishments by six o'clock that evening. Ace tries to trick John into an ambush by sending a note to John that directs him to his father's killer. On the way to the meeting place, however, John recognizes Ace's gang's tracks and disarms their sentry, Pete. John puts Pete on his steed and the man is shot to death as John escapes. John returns to town to close down the saloon, but the bartender knocks him unconscious. However, before Ace is able to kill John, Kit and his men arrive, and when John regains consciousness, he makes Kit's gang deputies. After Ace summons the Norton gang, Tom joins the fight and sets fire to the saloon. John, meanwhile, is trapped between Ace's and Norton's men. As Kit shoots and kills Ace, he is killed by Ace's bullets. Later, the local minister asks his congregation to remember the people who fought lawlessness, and John and Hanna listen together.

Film Details

Genre
Western
Release Date
Oct 24, 1935
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Republic Pictures Corp.
Distribution Company
Republic Pictures Corp.
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Duration
59m
Sound
Mono
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
6 reels

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

In the onscreen credits, technical director E. R. Hickson's surname is misspelled "Hixon." Two songs are sung in the film; however, no credits have been found for either song. Publicity indicates that an entire town set of sixty buildings was set aflame near the Trem Carr ranch in Newhall, CA for the fire scenes. According to Hollywood Reporter production charts, the film was shot in Kernville, CA. The New Frontier was the title of another John Wayne Republic film, made in 1939 (see below).

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States 1935

Released in United States 1935