Honor of the Range (1934) User Reviews

What else can Ken Maynard do?

[gilbert1926 · 7/10 · 1 January 2008]

This rather grim Universal film is notable for Ken Maynard's portrayal of two characters: one his usual heroic self, and the other a shy, sneaking, yet ultimately honorable fellow. This film is considerably darker than most of his efforts, and shows the off-beat star's versatility.

I will briefly reference the summary title, and that's it. You wondered what Ken Maynard had in his bag of tricks? Well, of course, he can ride, and even sing in that (I think) forced nasal voice of his. But, in this film, in what sounds like his natural voice, he sings "She Was Only a Bird In a Gilded Cage," while disguised, and...does a dance to the song as well with some chorus girls. Alright, we're not talking tap dance or even soft-shoe, but it does work! So glad Maynard shared all these elements of his talent, if only he would have kept that temper in line!

Well worth your time. The singing, dancing and disguise are priceless, especially if you know what a complex character Maynard was.

Maynard's In A Jackpot

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 5 July 2010]

Ken Maynard not only starred in, but produced this particular western of his at Universal Pictures. Being released through Universal it was a considerably above the usual poverty row product that was gutting the Saturday afternoon matinée market. It's also considerably darker in content.

We're talking here of the Maynard family honor. Ken plays dual roles here, the usual standup straight arrow western hero who happens to be a sheriff. He's also a storekeeper who gets himself into a real jackpot when some money left in trust for him by Cecilia Parker and her father James A. Marcus is robbed through his connivance. And brother Ken who doesn't pursue the crooks with his usual zeal gets caught up in the jackpot as well.

Fred Kohler is the head of the gang and he's his usual nasty villain. He's also got a nice interest in Parker, something neither of the Maynards approve.

Honor Of The Range is a good B western with far better production values than normal. This could easily have been a A product with a bigger star.

Never Shoot At The Hero's Horse!

[boblipton · 6/10 · 12 May 2021]

When storekeeper Ken Maynard agrees to help the bad guys led by Fred Kohler steal the moey out of the safe, part of the deal is that he get his brother, Sheriff Ken Maynard out of the way. When the sheriff proposes to go after the gang in te morning when he can read the trail, there's a revolt, and he's out of a job and locked in a closet. It's up to him to break out, rescue Cecilia Parker and his brother -- who's changed his mind when he's offered such a small cut . Fortunately, he still has Tarzan the Wonder Horse on his side.

It's a bit of a stretch for Maynard to be playing two roles, and although he's not the world's best actor, does a creditable job. Director Alan James goes for big effects and noisy gun battles; while these go on for a bit too long, his training as a film editor keep things within reason and should please fans of B westerns.

Maynard's best!

[JohnHowardReid · 9/10 · 24 March 2018]

Copyright 19 March 1934 by Universal Pictures Corp. No New York opening. U.S. release: 16 April 1934. U.K. release: 27 October 1934. No recorded Australian release date. 7 reels. 62 minutes. (Available on an Alpha DVD).

SYNOPSIS: Sheriff's meek but crooked twin brother ties in with an outlaw gang to steal a rancher's money.

COMMENT: If any film gives the lie to the oft-repeated canard that Ken Maynard couldn't act, this is it. Not only does Ken cleverly differentiate his two roles, making his Clem a wonderful study in watery villainy, he even impersonates a broken-down saloon singer, Eddie Barnes, and brings off his second-rate singing and dancing superbly well.

The rest of the players, led by gorgeous Cecilia Parker and heavy-browed Fred Kohler are likewise splendid. Nice to see perennial sheriff Jack Rockwell, off-beatedly cast as the heavy's chief off-sider, and so many names lending color to the ranks of saloon patrons, outlaws and posse-men.

Yes, this is an "A" production with hordes of extras and highly realistic production values lending credence to a somewhat melodramatic, even bizarre, but admirably unusual script which still encompasses plenty of action for the fans. The direction by Alvin J. Nietz and the photography by Ted McCord are both highly competent and imaginative.