"Desert Gold" was another in the series of well produced 60 minute (or less) Zane Grey adaptations that Paramount turned out in the 1930s. Although there are considered "B" films, they had bigger budgets, better production values and a vast store of stock footage to set them above the average "B" western.
The story starts out with Maya (Buster Crabbe) being made chief of the local Indian tribe. It seems that there is a hidden gold mine on Indian grounds and villain Chet Kasedon (Monte Blue) is after it. Kasedon has sent for mining engineer Randolph Gale (Tom Keene) to help him find the mine.
Aboard the stagecoach with Gale are the comely young Judith Belding (Marsha Hunt) who, as it turns out is engaged to marry Kasedon. Travelling with Gale is his assistant, now get this, Fordyce Mortimer (Robert Cummings in an early role) and Judith's father Doc Belding, the town doctor.
At first Gale is unaware of Kasedon's misdeeds but when he finds him whipping Maya to make him talk, he promptly switches sides and pursues Judith on the side.
It's fun to watch these old films and see up and coming players in early roles. Cummings though a little over the top is nonetheless hilarious as the comic relief. Marsha Hunt was never prettier as the heroine. Keene does a creditable job as the hero. Its interesting to note that when RKO revived the Zane Grey series in the mid 40s, Keene, who had by then re-invented himself as Richard Powers, played the villain in a couple of installments.
Watch for Leif (billed as "Glenn") Erikson as Kasedon's brother and Si Jenks in a hilarious bit as the stagecoach driver. Veteran heavy Walter Miller also appears as (what else?) one of the bag guys.
Pleasant little film with great outdoor photography.