Oklahoma Badlands (1948)
A fast-riding 1948 B-Western where cowboy Rocky Lane goes undercover to avenge a friend and save a besieged ranch.
Oklahoma Badlands - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1948
- Directed by: Yakima Canutt
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western
- Runtime: 59m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 22, 1948 (United States)
- Production Companies: Republic Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Oklahoma Badlands - Plot
Oklahoma Badlands is a western film directed by Yakima Canutt in 1948. Oliver Budge is after the Rawlins ranch. His henchman Sanders kills Ken Rawlins but when he tries to kill Leslie Rawlins, Rocky Lane breaks it up. But Leslie is a woman and knowing the bad guys are looking for a man, Rocky now poses as Leslie, an Eastern dude, and goes after the man that killed his friend.
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Oklahoma Badlands - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yakima Canutt
Main Cast
- Allan Lane
- Black Jack
- Eddy Waller
- Mildred Coles
- Roy Barcroft
- Gene Roth
- Earle Hodgins
- Dale Van Sickel
- Jay Kirby
- Claire Whitney
Writers
- Robert Creighton Williams
Oklahoma Badlands - FAQs
What is Oklahoma Badlands about?
Oklahoma Badlands follows Rocky Lane, a cowboy who witnesses his friend Ken Rawlins get murdered by a ruthless land-grabber's henchman. To protect Ken's sister Leslie and expose the villain Oliver Budge, Rocky goes undercover as an Eastern dude, blending action, disguise, and classic Western justice into a fast-paced 59-minute ride.
Why does Rocky Lane disguise himself in the film?
When Rocky intervenes to save Leslie Rawlins, the bad guys are hunting for a man named Leslie — not realizing Leslie is a woman. Rocky seizes the opportunity, posing as 'Leslie the Eastern dude' to infiltrate the gang and bring Ken's killer to justice from the inside.
Where can you stream Oklahoma Badlands?
You can watch Oklahoma Badlands on Mometu, which streams it with ads. It's a great way to catch this 1948 Republic Pictures Western without any subscription cost.
Who are the main actors in Oklahoma Badlands?
Allan Lane leads the cast as the heroic Rocky Lane, joined by Eddy Waller as his sidekick Nugget, Mildred Coles as Leslie Rawlins, Roy Barcroft as the menacing henchman Sanders, and Gene Roth as the scheming villain Oliver Budge. Black Jack, Lane's horse, also gets a screen credit.
Who directed Oklahoma Badlands and what is notable about him?
Yakima Canutt directed Oklahoma Badlands — a fascinating choice, since Canutt was one of Hollywood's most legendary stuntmen before stepping behind the camera. He's best known for choreographing some of cinema's most iconic action sequences, including the chariot race in Ben-Hur, making his Westerns especially kinetic and authentic.
Is Oklahoma Badlands based on a true story?
No, Oklahoma Badlands is an original fictional story written by Robert Creighton Williams. It's a classic B-Western produced by Republic Pictures, built around the popular Rocky Lane character — a staple of Saturday matinee serials in the 1940s rather than any real historical events.
What are some movies similar to Oklahoma Badlands?
If you enjoy Oklahoma Badlands, you might like Blood on the Moon (1948), a darker noir-tinged Western from the same era, or the classic Dodge City (1939). For something more modern with the same ranch-and-outlaws spirit, Appaloosa (2008) and Young Guns (1988) are both well worth your time.
How long is Oklahoma Badlands?
Oklahoma Badlands runs just 59 minutes — tight, punchy, and built for the B-Western matinee format of the 1940s. Republic Pictures designed these films to deliver maximum action and story in under an hour, making them perfect for a quick, entertaining watch even today.
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