Watch Return Of The Lash

Return of the Lash is a 1947 American Western film that stars Lash LaRue, Al St. John, and Mary Moore. It is part of a series of films that featured LaRue, an actor famously known for his skillful use of a bullwhip, which earned him the nickname "Lash." LaRue's real-life proficiency with the whip was a signature of his character and added a unique flair to the action sequences of the films.

In Return of the Lash, LaRue portrays Cheyenne Davis, a peace-loving but tough-as-nails peacekeeper revered for his extraordinary ability to handle a whip with outstanding precision and speed. The movie skillfully mixes traditional Western themes of justice, honor, and courage with the showmanship of LaRue's whip skills to create an entertaining and action-packed adventure.

The story takes place in the Old West, where Cheyenne Davis, known for preferring non-lethal means to subdue his opponents, uses his whip and sharp mind to ensure law and order are maintained. Davis is accompanied by his sidekick Fuzzy Q. Jones, played by Al St. John, who provides comic relief with his bumbling antics and good-hearted nature. The chemistry between LaRue and St. John in their respective roles is one of the movie's strengths, with Fuzzy's humorous moments complementing Cheyenne's straightforward heroism.

The film's heroine, played by Mary Moore, is the strong-willed and resilient Mary Scott. As a woman determined to fight against injustice in her community, she becomes an ally to Cheyenne Davis in his quest to thwart the plans of unscrupulous characters causing trouble in the area.

The plot unfolds as Cheyenne and Fuzzy arrive in a town that is being oppressed by a gang of outlaws. These villains are attempting to seize control of local land and resources to enrich themselves at the expense of the townsfolk. The malevolent leader behind the scenes is manipulating situations to create chaos and fear, making it easier to achieve his goals.

As Cheyenne and Fuzzy delve deeper into the crisis, they begin to uncover the layers of corruption involving land deals and power plays that threaten to undermine the social fabric of the town. Quick on the draw and even quicker with his whip, Cheyenne faces off against the outlaws, showcasing a series of confrontations that highlight his unique combat style and the contrast between his methods and the brute force of his enemies.

The movie’s narrative also involves a subtle detective element, where information is pieced together through clues and encounters with various townspeople who add depth to the story. Each character they meet provides a window into the larger issues at hand and helps Cheyenne and Fuzzy get closer to the truth.

Mary's character, initially more removed from the central conflict, finds her fate becoming increasingly entwined with Cheyenne's mission as the story progresses. She not only contributes to the investigation but also gives viewers a character to rally behind—one who displays resolve and a sense of justice that mirrors our hero's own.

Action scenes, central to any Western, are prevalent in Return of the Lash, where audiences are treated to horse chases, saloon brawls, and showdowns that comprise the film’s rousing climax. However, it is LaRue's whip that takes center stage, used both defensively and offensively, adding innovation to the typical gunfight scenarios.

The film embraces the aesthetic of the late 1940s Western genre, with costumes, sets, and dialogue that transport viewers to a bygone era of cowboy hats and six-shooters, galloping horses, and rugged landscapes. The cinematography captures the essence of the time, with wide, open shots of the countryside juxtaposed with tighter shots during tense, dramatic moments. The score of Return of the Lash, with its orchestral arrangements, complements the mood and elevates the narrative's emotions, from the high stakes of action scenes to tender moments of conversation.

Directed by Ray Taylor, Return of the Lash is a reflection of the post-World War II era of cinema, merging the themes of classic Westerns with the charisma of its leading actor, Lash LaRue. The movie would find itself well-received by audiences of the time, who were drawn to its adventurous spirit and the allure of its whip-wielding hero, further cementing LaRue’s status as an iconic Western film star.

Overall, Return of the Lash stands out as a distinctive entry in the corpus of Western films from the 1940s. It not only caters to fans of the genre with its engaging storytelling and action but also provides a nostalgic look back at a time when the singular talents of a star like LaRue could drive a film series to success.

Return Of The Lash is a 1947 action movie with a runtime of 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.