Covered Wagon Days


56m 1940

Film Details

Genre
Western
Release Date
Apr 22, 1940
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Republic Pictures Corp.
Distribution Company
Republic Pictures Corp.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on characters created by William Colt MacDonald.

Technical Specs

Duration
56m
Film Length
6 reels

Synopsis

Stony Brooke, Rusty Joslin and Rico, the Three Mesquiteers, are riding to Mexico to celebrate the marriage of Rico's brother Carlos when they are stopped at the border by officials who are investigating a ring smuggling silver into the United States. Unknown to the trio, the smugglers are operating by means of a tunnel that links a silver mine on each side of the border, and the Juanita mine on the Mexican side is owned by Rico's uncle, but has been closed for years. The smugglers, led by Ransome, the owner of the mining supply depot, attempt to buy the mine, but when the old man refuses to sell, Ransome orders him slain and frames Carlos for the murder. After Carlos is arrested, Ransome's men organize a lynch mob, but the Mesquiteers save Carlos from the hangman's noose and hide him in the hills. Feigning friendship for Carlos, Ransome sends Maria, Carlos' bride with a message for the fugitive, and then arranges for his men to follow her to the hideout. The Mesquiteers hold off the bushwackers while Carlos and Maria flee in her carriage, but when Carlos is wounded during the escape, Maria takes him to the army post, where he is arrested for murder. During Carlos' trial the next day, Stony sneaks into Ransome's store and discovers the entrance to a hidden mine shaft in the cellar. Meanwhile, Rico and Rusty visit the Juanita mine, where they also discover the hidden shaft housing the smuggled silver. As the Mesquiteers struggle with Ransome and his men, a keg of dynamite explodes, and in the chaos, Ransome escapes. Stony pursues him and forces a confession, thus exonerating Carlos of all guilt.

Film Details

Genre
Western
Release Date
Apr 22, 1940
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Republic Pictures Corp.
Distribution Company
Republic Pictures Corp.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on characters created by William Colt MacDonald.

Technical Specs

Duration
56m
Film Length
6 reels

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

A Hollywood Reporter production chart places Al Taylor, Lee Shumway, Barry Hays and Elias Gamboa in the cast, but their participation in the final film has not been confirmed. Modern sources add Dick Alexander, Art Mix, Jack Montgomery, Edward Hearn, Frank McCarroll, Jack Kirk, Herman Hack, Ken Terrell and Tex Palmer to the cast. For additional information on the series, consult the Series Index and see entry for The Three Mesquiteers in (see AFI Catalog of Feature Films, 1931-40; F3.4617).