The Return of Daniel Boone is a Western adventure that follows the exploits of Wild Bill Boone, a descendant of the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone. Set in a small frontier town plagued by lawlessness and corruption, Boone arrives to bring order and justice. He poses as a mild-mannered peddler but soon reveals his true identity and mission: to take down the gang of outlaws who have taken control of the region. With quick thinking, sharp shooting, and old-fashioned frontier courage, Boone becomes a symbol of law and order in the Wild West.
Genre: Western, Action
Director: Lambert Hillyer
Lambert Hillyer was a prolific American film director and screenwriter whose career spanned the silent and sound eras. Born in 1893, he directed over 160 films, mostly in the Western and action genres. He worked extensively with cowboy stars like Buck Jones and Tim McCoy and also directed the 1936 horror classic Dracula’s Daughter. Known for his fast-paced storytelling and reliable craftsmanship, Hillyer became a staple of B-movie Westerns throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Star Cast:
- Wild Bill Elliott as Wild Bill Boone
- Betty Miles as Ellen Brandon
- Dub Taylor as Cannonball
- Ray Bennett as Mark Dawson
- Walter Soderling as Judge Brandon
- Dick Curtis as Lefty
- Slim Whitaker as Sheriff
The Return of Daniel Boone was a popular B-Western among fans of the genre, offering audiences the familiar themes of justice, frontier valor, and good triumphing over evil. Wild Bill Elliott’s performance as the righteous hero helped solidify his standing as a Western star during the 1940s. While not a major critical success, the film delivered solid entertainment to its target audience and became part of the larger tradition of heroic cowboy stories in American cinema.
Fun Facts:
- The film was part of Columbia Pictures’ series of low-budget Westerns featuring Wild Bill Elliott.
- Despite the title, the film does not feature the historical Daniel Boone but rather a fictional descendant.
- Wild Bill Elliott was known for his clean-cut image and signature twin pistols, which he uses in this film.
- Dub Taylor, who plays Cannonball, often served as comic relief in Westerns and appeared in dozens of films throughout his career.
- The film’s blend of action, humor, and traditional Western values made it a favorite for Saturday matinee audiences.
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