The Tonto Kid (1934)
A fast-riding 1934 B-Western where greed, platinum, and a false murder charge put one drifter squarely in the crosshairs of a scheming frontier lawyer.
The Tonto Kid - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1934
- Directed by: Harry L. Fraser
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western
- Runtime: 1h 1m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 14, 1934 (United States)
- Production Companies: Resolute Pictures Corp.
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Tonto Kid - Plot
Lawyer Creech is after the ranch of the dying Cartwright. First he brings in Cahill to pose as the only living relative. Then when the Tonto Kid finds platinum on the ranch, Creech frames him for murder.
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The Tonto Kid - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Harry L. Fraser
Main Cast
- Rex Bell
- Ruth Mix
- Buzz Barton
- Theodore Lorch
- Joseph W. Girard
- Barbara E. Robertson
- Jack Rockwell
- Murdock MacQuarrie
- Bert Lindley
- Jane Keckley
Writers
- Harry L. Fraser
The Tonto Kid - FAQs
What is The Tonto Kid about?
The Tonto Kid follows a drifter known as the Tonto Kid who discovers platinum on a dying rancher's land. A crooked lawyer named Creech, determined to seize the property, plants a false murder charge against him. It's a tight, fast-moving B-Western built on greed, deception, and frontier justice.
Why does Lawyer Creech frame the Tonto Kid?
Creech is scheming to take over the Cartwright ranch by any means necessary. When the Tonto Kid stumbles upon platinum deposits on the property, Creech sees him as a threat and frames him for murder to remove him from the picture and clear the way for his land grab.
Where can you stream The Tonto Kid?
You can catch The Tonto Kid on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, and Fawesome at no extra cost. It's also available with ads on Amazon Prime Video with Ads and Mometu, or you can rent or buy it through Amazon Video.
Who plays the Tonto Kid in the 1934 film?
Rex Bell plays 'Skeets' Slawson, the drifter known as the Tonto Kid. Bell was a popular B-Western star of the era and brings easy charm to the role. Ruth Mix, daughter of legendary cowboy star Tom Mix, co-stars as Nancy Cahill opposite him.
Is The Tonto Kid based on a true story?
No, The Tonto Kid is an original fictional story written by director Harry L. Fraser. It follows the conventions of the 1930s B-Western genre, blending a land-grab plot with action and a wrongful accusation, but the characters and events are entirely invented.
Who directed The Tonto Kid and wrote the screenplay?
Harry L. Fraser handled both directing and writing duties on The Tonto Kid. Fraser was a prolific filmmaker in the B-Western circuit during the 1930s, known for working quickly and efficiently on low-budget productions for studios like Resolute Pictures Corp.
How long is The Tonto Kid?
The Tonto Kid runs just 61 minutes, which was typical for B-Westerns of the 1930s. These shorter runtimes were designed to pack in plenty of action and plot without overstaying their welcome, making them ideal as double-bill features at Saturday matinees.
What are some movies similar to The Tonto Kid?
If you enjoy The Tonto Kid, you might like other classic Westerns such as Tall in the Saddle (1944), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), or The Bravados (1958). For something closer in era and style, West of Rainbow's End (1938) and Border Outlaws (1950) are worth a look.
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