Smoking Guns (1934)
A wrongly accused man assumes a dead stranger's identity to return home and prove his innocence in this classic 1930s Western.
Smoking Guns - Movie Information
- Original Title: Smoking Guns
- Release Year: 1934
- Directed by: Alan James
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western
- Runtime: 1h 2m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 11, 1934 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Doomed to Die (UK)
- Production Companies: Ken Maynard Productions Inc.
- Production Countries: United States of America
Smoking Guns - Plot
Accused of a murder he did not commit, Ken leaves the country. Three years later Evans finds him in the jungle. When Evans dies, Ken seeing the resemblance, assumes his identity and returns to clear his name.
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Smoking Guns - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alan James
Main Cast
- Ken Maynard
- Gloria Shea
- Walter Miller
- Harold Goodwin
- William Gould
- Bob Kortman
- Jack Rockwell
- Edward Coxen
- Slim Whitaker
- Martin Turner
Writers
- Nate Gatzert
- Ken Maynard
Smoking Guns - FAQs
What is Smoking Guns (1934) about?
Smoking Guns follows Ken, a man falsely accused of murder who flees the country. Three years later, a chance encounter with a dying man named Evans gives Ken an unexpected opportunity — he assumes Evans's identity and returns home to finally clear his name.
Does Ken Maynard play a dual identity in Smoking Guns?
In a sense, yes. Ken Maynard's character exploits a physical resemblance to the deceased Ranger Dick Evans, taking on Evans's identity to slip back into the country undetected. It's a clever mistaken-identity twist that drives the film's second half and adds intrigue to the classic Western formula.
Is Smoking Guns based on a true story?
No, Smoking Guns is an original fictional Western. The screenplay was written by Nate Gatzert and Ken Maynard himself, crafting a fast-paced story of false accusation and identity deception set against the backdrop of the American frontier.
Where can you watch Smoking Guns online?
You can check current streaming availability for Smoking Guns on JustWatch, which tracks all viewing options across platforms in your region. As a 1934 public domain Western, it may also appear on free streaming services and classic film channels.
Who directed and wrote Smoking Guns (1934)?
Alan James directed the film, while the screenplay came from Nate Gatzert and star Ken Maynard. Maynard's involvement as both lead actor and co-writer reflects his significant creative control over his productions during this era of Hollywood Westerns.
Who stars in Smoking Guns alongside Ken Maynard?
Gloria Shea plays Alice Adams, while Walter Miller appears as Ranger Dick Evans — the man whose identity Ken assumes. Harold Goodwin, William Gould, Bob Kortman, and Jack Rockwell round out a capable supporting cast typical of 1930s B-Western productions.
How long is Smoking Guns (1934)?
Smoking Guns runs a brisk 62 minutes — perfectly in line with the B-Western format of the 1930s, which favored tight, action-packed stories that kept audiences entertained without overstaying their welcome.
What are some movies similar to Smoking Guns?
If you enjoy classic and modern Westerns, check out Will Penny (1967), Open Range (2003), True Grit (1969), and The Magnificent Seven (1960). For more frontier adventure, Hidalgo (2004) and Mackenna's Gold (1969) also make for great companion viewing.
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