Black Bart (1948)
A charming outlaw, a legendary dancer, and a trail of stolen gold collide in this spirited Western set against the California Gold Rush.
Black Bart - Movie Information
- Original Title: Black Bart
- Release Year: 1948
- Directed by: George Sherman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western, Crime
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 17, 1948 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Die schwarze Maske (DE)
- Production Companies: Universal International Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Black Bart - Plot
Cheerful outlaw Charlie Boles leaves former partners Lance and Jersey and heads for California, where the Gold Rush is beginning. Soon, a lone gunman in black is robbing Wells Fargo gold shipments. One fateful day, the stage he robs carries old friends Lance and Jersey...and notorious dancer Lola Montez, coming to perform in Sacramento. Black Bart and Lance become rivals for both Lola's favors and Wells Fargo's gold.
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Black Bart - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Sherman
Main Cast
- Yvonne De Carlo
- Dan Duryea
- Jeffrey Lynn
- Percy Kilbride
- Lloyd Gough
- Frank Lovejoy
- John McIntire
- Don Beddoe
- Ray Walker
- Soledad Jiménez
Writers
- Luci Ward
- William Bowers
- Jack Natteford
Producers
- Leonard Goldstein
Black Bart - FAQs
What is Black Bart (1948) about?
Black Bart follows charming outlaw Charlie Boles, who dons a black disguise to rob Wells Fargo gold shipments during the California Gold Rush. When a stagecoach he holds up carries old friends and the dazzling dancer Lola Montez, romance and rivalry collide in this lively Western adventure.
Is Black Bart based on a real person?
Yes! The film draws inspiration from the real Charles E. Boles, a notorious 19th-century stagecoach robber who operated in California and Oregon. The historical Black Bart was famous for his polite manner and poetic notes left at crime scenes, though the film takes creative liberties with his story.
Was Lola Montez a real historical figure?
Absolutely. Lola Montez was a real Irish-born dancer and entertainer who became a sensation in Gold Rush-era California during the 1850s. Yvonne De Carlo brings her to vivid life in the film, though the romantic entanglement with Black Bart is a fictional invention woven around both historical figures.
Where can you watch Black Bart online?
You can check current streaming availability and all viewing options for Black Bart on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. Availability can change, so it's worth checking regularly for the latest options.
Who stars in Black Bart (1948)?
The film pairs Dan Duryea as the roguish outlaw Charlie Boles with the luminous Yvonne De Carlo as Lola Montez. Jeffrey Lynn rounds out the central trio as rival Lance Hardeen, while Percy Kilbride adds comic relief as Jersey Brady. It's a charismatic cast that keeps the film entertaining throughout.
Who directed Black Bart and what else did he make?
George Sherman directed Black Bart, a prolific filmmaker who helmed dozens of Westerns throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Known for his efficient, energetic style, Sherman was a reliable hand at Universal for action-driven genre pictures, and Black Bart stands as one of his more polished and entertaining efforts.
What is the age rating for Black Bart?
Black Bart is rated NR (Not Rated), as it predates the modern film rating system. Released in 1948, it's a classic Hollywood Western with no graphic violence or adult content by contemporary standards, making it broadly suitable for older children and up who enjoy vintage Westerns.
What are some movies similar to Black Bart?
If you enjoyed Black Bart, you might also like Colorado Territory (1949), Ramrod (1947), and No Name on the Bullet (1959) for classic Western thrills. Cat Ballou (1965) offers a similarly lighthearted outlaw tone, while The Old Man & the Gun (2018) revisits the charming-bandit archetype with modern flair.
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