Colt Comrades

{{short description|1943 film by Lesley Selander}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}

{{Use American English|date=October 2021}}

{{Infobox film

| name = Colt Comrades

| image = Colt Comrades poster.jpg

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = Lesley Selander

| producer = Harry Sherman

| screenplay = Michael Wilson

| story = Harry Sinclair Drago

| starring = William Boyd
Andy Clyde
Jay Kirby
Teddi Sherman
Victor Jory
George Reeves
Douglas Fowley

| music = Paul Sawtell

| cinematography = Russell Harlan

| editing = Fred W. Berger

| studio = Harry Sherman Productions

| distributor = United Artists

| released = {{Film date|1943|6|18}}

| runtime = 67 minutes

| country = United States

| language = English

}}

Colt Comrades is a 1943 American Western film directed by Lesley Selander and written by Michael Wilson. The film stars William Boyd, Andy Clyde, Jay Kirby, Teddi Sherman, Victor Jory, George Reeves and Douglas Fowley. The film was released on June 18, 1943, by United Artists.{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/71254/colt-comrades|title=Colt Comrades (1943) - Overview - TCM.com|work=Turner Classic Movies|access-date=11 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://movies.tvguide.com/colt-comrades/111163|title=Colt Comrades|work=TV Guide|accessdate=11 October 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016113454/http://movies.tvguide.com/colt-comrades/111163|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/10331/Colt-Comrades/overview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019111133/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/10331/Colt-Comrades/overview|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 October 2014|department=Movies & TV Dept.|work=The New York Times|author=Hal Erickson|title=Colt Comrades (1943)|author-link=Hal Erickson (author)|date=2014|accessdate=11 October 2014}}

Plot

{{Expand section|date=August 2014}}

Hoppy, Johnny Travers, and California Carlson purchase a 50% stake in the Whitlock ranch, which is owned by siblings Lin and Lucy Whitlock. The ranch is on the verge of foreclosure due to an unpaid water bill, a result of the exorbitant fees imposed by the local land baron, Jebb Hardin (played by Victor Jory). Hardin controls the valley’s water rights and dominates the cattleman’s association, making it nearly impossible for independent ranchers to survive.

Determined to build a future, Hoppy and his comrades resign from the U.S. Marshal Service and invest in the ranch. However, instead of paying the overdue water bill, California Carlson is persuaded by Wildcat Willy to invest in oil drilling, believing it could be a lucrative opportunity. This decision causes tension among the partners, as both groups fear they will lose the ranch.

As drilling progresses, the situation grows dire, and Hardin tightens his grip on the valley, using his influence to block alternative solutions. Just when hope seems lost, the drilling operation unexpectedly strikes water instead of oil. This discovery not only saves the ranch but also disrupts Hardin’s monopoly, restoring balance to the community.

Cast

References

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