Westward Ho (1935)
A classic John Wayne B-Western about vigilante justice, a divided brotherhood, and the lawless frontier of post-Civil War California.
Westward Ho - Movie Information
- Original Title: Westward Ho
- Release Year: 1935
- Directed by: Robert N. Bradbury
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Western
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 1m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 19, 1935 (Canada - PG), August 19, 1935 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Die Spur der Rache (DE)
- Production Companies: Paul Malvern Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Westward Ho - Plot
Ballard's trail jumpers attack the Wyatt Company wagon train, killing young John's parents and kidnapping his brother, Jim. In post-Civil War California, John Wyatt, now a man, pulls together a vigilante posse, The Singing Riders, who all ride white horses, dress alike, and ride the trails singing and rounding up outlaw gangs. Meanwhile, John is ever on the lookout for the gang that murdered his parents. As a youngster John Wyatt saw his parents killed and his brother kidnapped. On a wagon train heading West he meets his brother who is now a spy for the gang which originally did the dirty work. He and his brother both fall for Mary Gordon. When Ballard and his men attack the Wyatt wagon train, they kill all except two young brothers. Twelve years later one brother John has organized a vigilante group. The other brother Jim is now part of Ballard's gang and the two are destined to meet again.
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Westward Ho - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert N. Bradbury
Main Cast
- John Wayne
- Sheila Bromley
- Frank McGlynn Jr.
- Jim Farley
- Bradley Metcalfe
- Dickie Jones
- Mary MacLaren
- Hank Bell
- Glenn Strange
- Earl Dwire
Writers
- Robert Emmett Tansey
- Lindsley Parsons
Producers
- Paul Malvern
Westward Ho - FAQs
What is Westward Ho about?
Westward Ho follows John Wyatt, who witnesses his parents' murder and his brother's kidnapping as a child. Years later, he leads a vigilante group called the Singing Riders to bring the outlaw gang to justice — only to discover his long-lost brother has joined the very gang he's hunting.
Is Westward Ho one of John Wayne's early films?
Yes — Westward Ho was released in 1935 and stands as one of the earliest starring vehicles for John Wayne. Made through Paul Malvern Productions, it helped establish Wayne's screen persona as a rugged, justice-seeking hero in the B-Western genre before his breakout in Stagecoach (1939).
Where can you stream Westward Ho (1935)?
You can catch Westward Ho for free on Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Xumo Play, and Mometu — all ad-supported. If you prefer to own or rent it, it's also available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
Who are the Singing Riders in Westward Ho?
The Singing Riders are the vigilante posse organized by John Wyatt in the film. They ride matching white horses, dress alike, and patrol the trails singing — a distinctive touch that blends the musical Western trend of the era with classic frontier justice storytelling.
Who directed Westward Ho and who wrote the screenplay?
Robert N. Bradbury directed the film — a prolific B-Western director who frequently collaborated with John Wayne during this period. The screenplay was written by Robert Emmett Tansey and Lindsley Parsons, both seasoned hands in the low-budget Western genre of the 1930s.
Does Westward Ho have a brothers-against-each-other storyline?
Absolutely — that sibling conflict is the film's emotional core. After being separated as children, John becomes a vigilante lawman while his brother Jim ends up riding with the very outlaw gang responsible for their parents' deaths. The two are set on a collision course, adding real dramatic tension to the action.
What is the age rating for Westward Ho?
Westward Ho is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States, which is typical for films from the 1930s that predate the modern ratings system. The Canadian release carried a PG classification. The film contains mild frontier action and is generally suitable for all audiences.
What are some movies similar to Westward Ho?
If you enjoy Westward Ho, try Riders of the Purple Sage (1941), Legion of the Lawless (1940), or The Return of Wild Bill (1940) for more classic B-Western action. For broader Western fare, The Magnificent Seven (1960) and Union Pacific (1939) offer larger-scale frontier adventures worth exploring.
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