Watch Texas Terror

Texas Terror is a classic western film released in 1940, directed by David Selman and starring Don 'Red' Barry, Julie Duncan, and Arthur Loft. It follows the story of a sheriff, John Higgins, who is reeling from the accidental shooting of his best friend. Determined to make amends, he sets out to catch the man responsible for the crime, but things take a complicated turn when he falls in love with the suspect's sister.

The opening credits roll to the tune of a lively western-inspired soundtrack, setting the tone for the movie. As the story begins, the camera zooms in on the town of Ranger, Texas. The peaceful town is shattered when a local banker is shot dead. The sheriff, John Higgins, and his deputy, 'Smokey' Jones, set off to capture the killer, but not before a wandering cowboy turns up and complicates things. The stranger claims that he was in the area when the shooting happened and is willing to help the sheriff find the killer.

John Higgins is played by Don 'Red' Barry, who portrays a competent, no-nonsense lawman with a heart of gold. He is determined to uphold the law, but he is still human and seeks redemption after the accidental shooting of his friend. Smokey Jones is his loyal and quick-witted deputy who provides the comic relief throughout the movie. Arthur Loft is the film's villain, Craig Pollock, a wealthy landowner who is feared and respected by the town's inhabitants.

As the plot unfolds, John Higgins falls in love with Craig Pollock's sister, Bess (played by Julie Duncan), and the two begin a romance that is frowned upon by the townspeople. The romance between the two leads adds another layer of complexity to the story and sets up a tense confrontation between John and Craig.

Texas Terror is a well-executed film that showcases the classic western tropes, including shootouts, horse chases, and vigilantism. The movie has its fair share of memorable action sequences, such as a barroom brawl and a high-speed chase scene through a forest. In typical western fashion, the film has plenty of dramatic showdowns, including a tense finale in which John Higgins and Craig Pollock face off against each other.

Despite the film's age, the cinematography is impressive, capturing the vast landscapes of rural Texas, with wide shots of dusty roads and rocky terrain. The lighting and editing techniques used in the movie are also noteworthy, with the use of shadows and contrast adding to the film's mood and atmosphere.

The movie's cast delivers solid performances, with Don 'Red' Barry's portrayal of John Higgins being the standout performance. He exudes the cowboy charm and machismo that are synonymous with the western genre. Julie Duncan's Bess is also impressive, bringing depth and nuance to her portrayal of a woman caught between her loyalty to her brother and her love for John.

In conclusion, Texas Terror is a classic western movie that is a must-watch for fans of the genre. With its compelling story, lead performances, and impressive cinematography, the movie is an entertaining and enjoyable watch that captures the essence of a bygone era. The film remains relevant and worthy of attention almost 80 years after its initial release, making it a testament to its enduring appeal.