Alex Gordon has produced such “B” Westerns as The Bounty Killer, Requiem for a Gunfighter and Flesh and the Spur. A film archivist and collector as well, Mr. Gordon will introduce tonight's films and discuss the history of the “B” Western and the colorful star, Tom Mix.

Rider of Death Valley
“The second of Tom Mix's talkies for Universal, this picture was released one month after his comeback Western, Destry Rides Again. The 1932 production is quite elaborate with values more befitting an ‘A' Western; the pace is deliberate and the characters more deeply established. The running time of 78 minutes allows for more than the usual ‘B' Western condensed plot and action. Authentic Death Valley locations add greatly to the overall atmosphere. It is a pity that Republic Studios' type of camera car equipment was not available to a picture like this so that trying to keep Mix in focus during a runaway wagon chase diminishes the full effect that later directors were able to bring to scenes like this. Mix is strong and effective with top support from Fred Kohler and there is an interesting supporting cast and fine work from Tony.” Alex Gordon