Charles Robert Starrett (March 28, 1903 – March 22, 1986) was an American actor, best known for his starring role in the ''Durango Kid''

westerns The Western is a genre set in the American frontier and commonly associated with folk tales of the Western United States, particularly the Southwestern United States, as well as Northern Mexico and Western Canada. It is commonly referred ...

. Starrett still holds the record for starring in the longest series of theatrical features: 131 westerns, all produced by

Columbia Pictures Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production studio that is a member of the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is one of the Big Five studios and a subsidiary of the mu ...

Early years

Starrett was born in

Athol, Massachusetts Athol is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 11,945 at the 2020 census. History Originally called Pequoiag when settled by Native Americans, the area was subsequently settled by five families in Sept ...

, where his grandfather had built a prosperous tool works. He attended

Worcester Academy Worcester Academy is a private school in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is the oldest educational institution founded in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, and one of the oldest day-boarding schools in the United States. A coeducational prepara ...

, then graduated from

Dartmouth College Dartmouth College (; ) is a private research university in Hanover, New Hampshire. Established in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, it is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Although founded to educate Native A ...

Career

A graduate of

in 1922, Starrett went on to study at Dartmouth College. While on the Dartmouth

football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball to score a goal. Unqualified, the word ''football'' normally means the form of football that is the most popular where the word is used. Sports commonly c ...

team he was hired to play a football extra in the film ''The Quarterback'' (1926). Bitten by the acting bug, Starrett played minor roles in films and leading roles in stage plays. In 1928, he was a member of the Walker Company, a

repertory theatre A repertory theatre is a theatre in which a resident company presents works from a specified repertoire, usually in alternation or rotation. United Kingdom Annie Horniman founded the first modern repertory theatre in Manchester after withdrawing ...

troupe headed by Stuart Walker. He played the romantic lead in his first movie, '' Fast and Loose'' (1930), which starred

Frank Morgan Francis Phillip Wuppermann (June 1, 1890 – September 18, 1949), known professionally as Frank Morgan, was an American character actor. He was best known for his appearances in films starting in the silent era in 1916, and then numerous sound ...

Miriam Hopkins Ellen Miriam Hopkins (October 18, 1902 – October 9, 1972) was an American actress known for her versatility. She first signed with Paramount Pictures in 1930. Her best-known roles included a pickpocket in Ernst Lubitsch's romantic comedy '' T ...

, and

Carole Lombard Carole Lombard (born Jane Alice Peters; October 6, 1908 – January 16, 1942) was an American actress, particularly noted for her energetic, often off-beat roles in screwball comedies. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Lombard 2 ...

. Starrett starred in the Canadian production '' The Viking'' (1931), a rugged outdoor adventure filmed on location in Newfoundland, which had begun as a

Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film and television production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the main namesake division of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It is the fifth-oldes ...

project.

Starrett was very active for the next two years, playing juvenile leads for both major and minor studios. He was featured in ''

Our Betters ''Our Betters'' is a 1933 American pre-Code satirical comedy film directed by George Cukor and starring Constance Bennett, Anita Louise and Gilbert Roland. The screenplay by Jane Murfin and Harry Wagstaff Gribble is based on the 1917 play of th ...

'' (1933), ''

Murder on the Campus ''Murder on the Campus'' is a 1933 American pre-Code mystery film directed by Richard Thorpe. The film is also known as ''On the Stroke of Nine'' in the United Kingdom. It is based on the novel ''The Campanile Murders'', by Whitman Chambers ( A ...

'' (1933), and as a young doctor named Orion in "Along Came Love", opposite

Irene Hervey Irene Hervey (born Beulah Irene Herwick; July 11, 1909December 20, 1998) was an American film, stage, and television actress who appeared in over fifty films and numerous television series spanning her five-decade career. A native of Los Angeles ...

. Of Starrett's early character appearances, today's viewers may be most familiar with the

Will Rogers William Penn Adair Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935) was an American vaudeville performer, actor, and humorous social commentator. He was born as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the Indian Territory (now part of Oklahoma ...

picture ''

Mr. Skitch ''Mr. Skitch'' is a 1933 American comedy film directed by James Cruze and written by Sonya Levien and Ralph Spence. The film stars Will Rogers, Rochelle Hudson, ZaSu Pitts, Florence Desmond, Harry Green and Charles Starrett. The film was relea ...

'' (1933), featuring Starrett as the romantic lead. Offscreen, Charles Starrett helped organize the

Screen Actors Guild The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) was an American labor union which represented over 100,000 film and television principal and background performers worldwide. On March 30, 2012, the union leadership announced that the SAG membership voted to m ...

. He held membership card #10.

Cowboy star

In 1935, Columbia Pictures wanted to replace its incumbent western star

Tim McCoy Timothy John Fitzgerald McCoy (April 10, 1891 – January 29, 1978) was an American actor, military officer, and expert on American Indian life. McCoy is most noted for his roles in B-grade Western films. As a popular cowboy film star, he ap ...

with a younger actor. Starrett heard about this and interviewed with Columbia producers. Starrett recalled that studio chief Harry Cohn was indifferent, caring about only one thing: "Can he ride a horse?" Starrett could, and got the job. His first western was ''

Gallant Defender ''Gallant Defender'' is a 1935 American Western film directed by David Selman and starring Charles Starrett. Plot Roving cowboy is involved in struggle between homesteaders and cattle ranchers. Cast * Charles Starrett as Johnny Flagg * Joan ...

'' (1935). Starrett ultimately signed four contracts with Columbia, becoming the studio's number-one cowboy star. He cast an appealing figure with his tall stature (6' 2"), strong jawline, confident voice, and air of quiet authority. Starrett hadn't planned on making an entire career out of westerns, and agreed to make them for two years, with the understanding that his bosses would then cast him in plainclothes roles. When they didn't, he walked out on his contract after the two years. (In 1974 Starrett told author James Horwitz that his self-imposed leave of absence cost him $60,000, which was the dollar value of his original agreement.) Meanwhile, theater exhibitors around the world were attracting big crowds with Charles Starrett westerns, so Columbia gave him a new contract with the actor insisting on appearing in a non-western. He finally got his chance—once—in 1937, for the collegiate musical comedy ''

Start Cheering ''Start Cheering'' is a 1938 American musical film directed by Albert S. Rogell and starring Jimmy Durante, Charles Starrett, Joan Perry, and Walter Connolly. It is best remembered today for guest appearances throughout the film by The Three Sto ...

'' (released 1938). In a curious reflection of his own situation, Starrett played a disenchanted movie hero who wanted to do something different with his life. But Starrett's success in westerns established him firmly in outdoor fare and sealed his fate professionally. For the rest of his career he made Columbia westerns exclusively. The musical westerns of

Gene Autry Orvon Grover "Gene" Autry (September 29, 1907 – October 2, 1998), nicknamed the Singing Cowboy, was an American singer, songwriter, actor, musician, rodeo performer, and baseball owner who gained fame largely by singing in a crooning s ...

inspired every Hollywood studio to have its cowboy personalities use their musical talents—but not Charles Starrett. He could carry a tune but left the songs to professional vocalists (his vocals in ''

'' were dubbed by

Robert Paige Robert Paige (born John Arthur Paige, December 2, 1911 – December 21, 1987) was an actor and a TV newscaster and political correspondent and Universal Pictures leading man who made 65 films in his lifetime: he was the only actor ever allowed t ...

). Columbia solved the problem by hiring an entire singing group to support Starrett: the

Sons of the Pioneers The Sons of the Pioneers are one of the United States' earliest Western singing groups. Known for their vocal performances, their musicianship, and their songwriting, they produced innovative recordings that have inspired many Western music perf ...

. Charles Starrett made two dozen westerns under his new contract, and they tend to resemble each other because the production unit was very close-knit. The same company of technicians and players worked in film after film: almost always

Iris Meredith Iris Meredith (born Iris Shunn; June 3, 1915 – January 22, 1980) was a B-movie actress of the 1930s and 1940s film era. She starred mostly in heroine roles, in westerns. Early years Meredith was born in Sioux City, Iowa, but grew up in ...

as the leading lady,

Dick Curtis Richard Dye (May 11, 1902January 3, 1952), known professionally as Dick Curtis, was an American actor who made over 230 film and television appearances during his career. Early years Curtis was born in Newport, Kentucky, the son of Frank Dye ...

as the villain,

Hank Bell Hank Bell (January 21, 1892 – February 4, 1950) was an American film actor. He appeared in more than 370 films between 1920 and 1950. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and died in Hollywood, California, from a heart attack A myo ...

as the sidekick,

Edward LeSaint Edward LeSaint (January 1, 1871 – September 10, 1940) was an American stage and film actor and director whose career began in the silent era A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound (or more generally, no audible dia ...

as the senior character of father, rancher, marshal, etc., and the Sons of the Pioneers as the chorus. Very occasionally, Columbia reassigned Meredith to other productions, so various contract starlets took the ingenue roles, among them

Lorna Gray Virginia Pound (July 26, 1917 – April 30, 2017), known professionally as Lorna Gray and (after 1945) Adrian Booth, was an American film actress known for her comic roles, and later as a villainess. She is best known for her roles in Columb ...

and

Ann Doran Ann Lee Doran (July 28, 1911 – September 19, 2000) was an American character actress, possibly best known as the mother of Jim Stark ( James Dean) in ''Rebel Without a Cause'' (1955). She was an early member of the Screen Actors Guild and ser ...

. When Starrett's new contract lapsed in July 1940, he withdrew from westerns and Columbia disbanded the unit. Iris Meredith left the studio, and the Sons of the Pioneers moved to

Republic Pictures Republic Pictures Corporation (currently held under Melange Pictures, LLC) was an American motion picture production-distribution corporation in operation from 1935 to 1967, that was based in Los Angeles. It had studio facilities in Studio City an ...

, where they reunited with their former lead singer

Roy Rogers Roy Rogers (born Leonard Franklin Slye; November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998) was an American singer, actor, and television host. Following early work under his given name, first as co-founder of the Sons of the Pioneers and then acting, the rebra ...

. Again, exhibitors petitioned Columbia for more Charles Starrett westerns, so the studio came through with a new contract at an increased salary. Starrett finally accepted his permanent cowboy status, and returned to Columbia in March 1941 as "The Medico," cowboy doctor.

The Durango Kid

After playing assorted rancher, ranger, and sheriff roles, Starrett was cast as The Durango Kid in 1940. The character was an upright citizen known and liked by the townsfolk, but he masqueraded as a notorious, black-garbed horseman to terrorize the local criminals and foil their plans. The film was successful but not much different from some of Starrett's earlier good guy-chasing-bad-guy roles. The character was revived five years later in ''The Return of the Durango Kid'', which caught on very quickly. Starrett played an amiable cowpoke named Steve (the last name varied but he was always Steve to his friends), who would become angered by an injustice and go after the villains as the mysterious, elusive Durango Kid. Steve's paint horse was named "Bullet" and Durango's white horse was "Raider." A follow-up film was made, and then a series. One favorite device became a signature: the masked Durango Kid suddenly materializing like

Superman Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book ''Action Comics'' #1 (cover-dated June 1938 and publi ...

, always catching the villains by surprise. The Durango Kid rejuvenated Charles Starrett's career, winning him a new generation of loyal fans, a new five-year contract, and even a comic-book adaptation, ''Charles Starrett as the Durango Kid'' (1949-1955), published by Magazine Enterprises. The film series was also a useful training ground for novice actresses and fashion models, who would be signed to six-month contracts and cast as cowgirls in Starrett westerns.

Dub Taylor Walter Clarence "Dub" Taylor Jr. (February 26, 1907 – October 3, 1994),Dub Taylor, 87, Actor in Westerns, The New York Times, October 5, 1994, Section B, Page 12 was an American character actor who from the 1940s into the 1990s worked extens ...

, as comic sidekick "Cannonball", worked with Starrett until 1946. At that time,

Smiley Burnette Lester Alvin Burnett (March 18, 1911 – February 16, 1967), better known as Smiley Burnette, was an American country music performer and a comedic actor in Western films and on radio and TV, playing sidekick to Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, a ...

, who had been a very popular sidekick to

, was brought in to replace Taylor. Burnette, appropriately enough, played a character called "Smiley Burnette." The ''Durango Kid'' films combined vigorous action sequences--often with spectacular stunts performed by

Ted Mapes Ted Mapes (November 25, 1901 – September 9, 1984) was an American character actor, who was also a prolific stuntman and body double. Born on November 25, 1901, in St. Edward, Nebraska, he moved to Los Angeles in his mid-20s, and entered the fi ...

and later

Jock Mahoney Jacques Joseph O'Mahoney (February 7, 1919 – December 14, 1989), known professionally as Jock Mahoney, was an American actor and stuntman. He starred in two Action/Adventure television series, ''The Range Rider'' and ''Yancy Derringer''. He ...

--and western music. Each film featured musical specialties by Burnette, and by a guest artist or group from records or radio. By 1949, the series faced a challenge. Production costs kept rising, but the financial return was limited. So Columbia resorted to shooting less new material, and borrowing scenes from older Durango Kid pictures to coax the running time up to the usual length. Columbia was starting to use this same recycling gambit in its adventure serials and

Three Stooges The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy team active from 1922 until 1970, best remembered for their 190 short subject films by Columbia Pictures. Their hallmark styles were physical farce and slapstick. Six Stooges appeared ...

comedies. Sometimes the scripting and editing were very clever, most memorably in ''Cyclone Fury'' (1951), in which footage from ''four'' older Starrett westerns is worked into the plot. The final Durango Kid feature was '' The Kid from Broken Gun'' (1952), with the new footage set in a courtroom and the old footage illustrating the testimony of the various characters. Charles Starrett retired at age 48, when his last Columbia contract lapsed. As Starrett had once taken over Columbia's westerns from Tim McCoy, Jock Mahoney took over the reins from Starrett, co-starring with Smiley Burnette in a new series. The pilot feature was completed but never released,Ivan Spear, ''Boxoffice'', "Columbia Not to Produce Jack Mahoney Westerns," June 7, 1952, p. 24. so Columbia's long history of B westerns ended with Charles Starrett. Columbia serviced the still-strong demand for Starrett by reissuing his 1937-1940 westerns with the Sons of the Pioneers. These proved just as popular as the Durango series, and Columbia kept dozens of the Starrett features in theaters for several years.

Later years

Although his agent, Sam Jaffe, tried to interest movie and TV producers in hiring Starrett, the actor no longer needed or wanted a show-business career; he was independently wealthy from wise investments and his family fortune. In retirement he traveled widely with his wife, favoring tropical islands. His fans never forgot him, and corresponded with him in later years. Starrett was pleased by the interest and made guest appearances at a few film conventions and revivals. Starrett died of

cancer Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal b ...

in Borrego Springs, California, in 1986, six days short of his 83rd birthday.

Selected filmography

* '' Fast and Loose'' (1930) * ''

The Royal Family of Broadway ''The Royal Family of Broadway'' is a 1930 American pre-Code comedy film directed by George Cukor and Cyril Gardner and released by Paramount Pictures. The screenplay was adapted by Herman J. Mankiewicz and Gertrude Purcell from the play ''The ...

'' (1930) * '' Damaged Love'' (1931) * '' The Viking'' (1931) * ''

Silence Silence is the absence of ambient audible sound, the emission of sounds of such low intensity that they do not draw attention to themselves, or the state of having ceased to produce sounds; this latter sense can be extended to apply to the ce ...

'' (1931) * '' The Age for Love'' (1931) * ''

Touchdown A touchdown (abbreviated as TD) is a scoring play in gridiron football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone. In Ameri ...

'' (1931) * ''

Sky Bride ''Sky Bride'' (also known as ''Sky Brides'') is a 78-minute 1932 drama film, produced by Paramount Pictures and directed by Stephen Roberts. The film stars Richard Arlen, Jack Oakie and Virginia Bruce. ''Sky Bride'' depicts the life of barnsto ...

'' (1932) * ''

Lady and Gent ''Lady and Gent'' is a 1932 American pre-Code drama film directed by Stephen Roberts for Paramount, featuring a young Charles ("Durango Kid") Starrett, Syd ("Three Mesquiteers") Saylor and an early supporting role by John Wayne. Plot A young b ...

'' (1932) * ''

The Mask of Fu Manchu ''The Mask of Fu Manchu'' (1932) is an American pre-Code adventure film directed by Charles Brabin. Written by Irene Kuhn, Edgar Allan Woolf and John Willard, it was based on the 1932 novel of the same name by Sax Rohmer (the sixth in the serie ...

'' (1933) * ''

Jungle Bride ''Jungle Bride'' is a 1933 American Pre-Code Hollywood, pre-Code film directed by Harry O. Hoyt and Albert H. Kelley. Plot Doris Evans suspects that an actor has committed murder, so she and her fiancé follow him aboard a ship. Following a ...

'' (1933) * ''

The Return of Casey Jones The Return of Casey Jones is a 1933 American Pre-Code action adventure film directed by John P. McCarthy, written by Harry L. Fraser and starring Charles Starrett and Ruth Hall. The film is based on the story of the same name by John Johns, pu ...

'' (1933) * ''

The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi Often called the most beloved and popular of college fraternity songs, "The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi" was written in 1911 by Byron D. Stokes ( Albion Class of 1913) and F. Dudleigh Vernor (Albion '14). Stokes had written the words while in class ...

'' (1933) * ''

'' (1933) * '' Stolen Sweets'' (1934) * '' Three on a Honeymoon'' (1934) * '' This Man Is Mine'' (1934) * '' Green Eyes'' (1934) * ''

Call It Luck ''Call It Luck'' is a 1934 American comedy film directed by James Tinling and written by Dudley Nichols and Lamar Trotti. The film stars Pat Paterson, Herbert Mundin, Charles Starrett, Gordon Westcott, Georgia Caine and Theodore von Eltz. The ...

'' (1934) * '' Desirable'' (1934) * '' Gentlemen Are Born'' (1934) * ''

Undercover Men ''Undercover Men'' is a 1934 American-Canadian action film directed by Sam Newfield and starring Charles Starrett, Adrienne Dore and Kenne Duncan.Pitts p.376 It was made in Toronto by the B-movie company Booth Productions. With a plot following the ...

'' (1934) * ''

The Silver Streak ''The Silver Streak'' is a 1934 American black-and-white film drama from RKO, loosely based on the record-setting "dawn-to-dusk" run of the '' Pioneer Zephyr'' on May 26, 1934. The film stars Sally Blane, Charles Starrett, William Farnum, and ...

'' (1934) * '' Sons of Steel'' (1934) * '' A Shot in the Dark'' (1935) * ''

One New York Night ''One New York Night'' (also released as ''The Trunk Mystery'') is a 1935 American comedy film directed by Jack Conway and written by Frank Davis. The film stars Franchot Tone, Una Merkel, Conrad Nagel, Harvey Stephens, Steffi Duna and Charles ...

'' (1935) * '' One in a Million'' (1935) * ''

What Price Crime ''What Price Crime'' or ''What Price Crime?'' is a 1935 American crime film directed by Albert Herman and starring Charles Starrett, Noel Madison and Virginia Cherrill.Pitts p.57 Cast * Charles Starrett as Allen Grey * Noel Madison as Douglas ...

'' (1935) * ''

So Red the Rose ''So Red the Rose'' is the only studio album by the Duran Duran-spinoff group Arcadia, released in 1985. It included the singles "Election Day", " Goodbye Is Forever" and " The Flame". The album peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200 in January ...

'' (1935) * '' Make a Million'' (1935) * ''

'' (1935) * ''

The Mysterious Avenger ''The Mysterious Avenger'' is a 1936 American Western film directed by David Selman. It features an early appearance by Jon Hall. Cast * Charles Starrett ... Ranny Maitland / Ranny Morgan * Joan Perry ... Alice Lockhart * Wheeler Oakman ... ...

'' (1936) * '' Secret Patrol'' (1936) * ''

Code of the Range ''Code of the Range'' is a 1936 American western film directed by Charles C. Coleman and starring Charles Starrett, Mary Blake and Edward Coxen. Synopsis A feud breaks out between cattle ranchers and sheepherders who dispute each other's graz ...

'' (1936) * ''

Along Came Love ''Along Came Love'' is a 1936 American comedy film directed by Bert Lytell and written by Arthur Caesar. The film stars Irene Hervey, Charles Starrett, Doris Kenyon, H. B. Warner, Irene Franklin and Bernadene Hayes. The film was released on No ...

'' (1936) * '' The Cowboy Star'' (1936) * ''

Stampede A stampede () is a situation in which a group of large animals suddenly start running in the same direction, especially because they are excited or frightened. Non-human species associated with stampede behavior include zebras, cattle, elephants ...

'' (1936) * '' Dodge City Trail'' (1936) * '' Westbound Mail'' (1937) * '' Trapped'' (1937) * '' Two Gun Law'' (1937) * ''

Two-Fisted Sheriff ''Two-Fisted Sheriff'' is a 1937 American Western film directed by Leon Barsha, starring Charles Starrett and Barbara Weeks. Cast * Charles Starrett as Sheriff Dick Houston * Barbara Weeks as Molly Herrick * Bruce Lane as Bob Pearson * Edw ...

'' (1937) * ''

One Man Justice ''One Man Justice'' is a 1937 American Western film directed by Leon Barsha and written by Paul Perez. The film stars Charles Starrett, Barbara Weeks, Wally Wales, Jack Rube Clifford, Alan Bridge and Walter Downing. The film was released on ...

'' (1937) * ''

The Old Wyoming Trail '' The Old Wyoming Trail '' is a 1937 American Western film released by Columbia Pictures. Roy Rogers appears, albeit uncredited. Plot Cast * Charles Starrett - Bob Patterson * Donald Grayson - Sandy * Barbara Weeks - Elsie Halliday * Dic ...

'' (1937) * ''

Outlaws of the Prairie ''Outlaws of the Prairie'' is a 1937 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson, starring Charles Starrett, Donald Grayson, and Iris Meredith. Cast * Charles Starrett as Dart Collins * Donald Grayson as Slim Grayson * Iris Meredith as Judy G ...

(1937) * ''

Cattle Raiders ''Cattle Raiders'' is a 1938 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson and written by Joseph F. Poland and Ed Earl Repp. The film stars Charles Starrett, Donald Grayson, Iris Meredith, Dick Curtis, Joseph Allen and Edward LeSaint. The film ...

'' (1938) * ''

'' (1938) * '' Call of the Rockies'' (1938) * '' Law of the Plains'' (1938) * '' West of Cheyenne'' (1938) * '' South of Arizona'' (1938) * '' The Colorado Trail'' (1938) * ''

West of the Santa Fe ''West of the Santa Fe'' is a 1938 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson and written by Bennett Cohen. The film stars Charles Starrett, Iris Meredith, Dick Curtis, Robert Fiske, LeRoy Mason and Bob Nolan. The film was released on Octobe ...

'' (1938) * ''

Rio Grande The Rio Grande ( and ), known in Mexico as the Río Bravo del Norte or simply the Río Bravo, is one of the principal rivers (along with the Colorado River) in the southwestern United States and in northern Mexico. The length of the Rio G ...

'' (1938) * ''

The Thundering West ''The Thundering West'', also known as ''Trail of the Tumbleweed'', is a 1939 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson, starring Charles Starrett, and Iris Meredith. Cast * Charles Starrett as Jim Dale * Iris Meredith as Helen Patterson * ...

'' (1939) * ''

Texas Stampede ''Texas Stampede'' is a 1939 American western film directed by Sam Nelson and starring Charles Starrett, Iris Meredith and Bob Nolan. It is a remake of the 1930 film '' The Dawn Trail''Pitts p.79 Cast * Charles Starrett as Tom Randall * Iris Mere ...

'' (1939) * '' North of the Yukon'' (1939) * ''

Spoilers of the Range ''Spoilers of the Range'' is a 1939 American Western film directed by Charles C. Coleman and starring Charles Starrett. Plot Hero Jeff Strong (Starrett) comes to the rescue of a group of victimized ranchers. The villains are a gang of crooked ...

'' (1939) * ''

Western Caravans ''Western Caravans'' is a 1939 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson and written by Bennett Cohen. The film stars Charles Starrett, Iris Meredith, Dick Curtis, Russell Simpson, Wally Wales and Hank Bell. The film was released on June 15 ...

'' (1939) * ''

The Man from Sundown ''The Man from Sundown'' is a 1939 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson and written by Paul Franklin. The film stars Charles Starrett, Iris Meredith, Richard Fiske, Jack Rockwell, Alan Bridge and Dick Botiller. The film was released o ...

'' (1939) * ''

Riders of Black River ''Riders of Black River'' is a 1939 American Western film directed by Norman Deming and written by Bennett Cohen. The film stars Charles Starrett, Iris Meredith, Dick Curtis, Stanley Brown, Bob Nolan and Francis Sayles. The film was released on ...

'' (1939) * ''

Outpost of the Mounties ''Outpost of the Mounties'' is a 1939 American Western film directed by Charles C. Coleman and starring Charles Starrett. Plot In this adventure, a courageous Canadian Mountie must bring peace to an embattled miner and an unscrupulous trader ...

'' (1939) * ''

The Stranger from Texas ''The Stranger from Texas'' is a 1939 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson and starring Charles Starrett, Lorna Gray and the Sons of the Pioneers. Cast list * Charles Starrett as Tom Murdock/Tom Morgan * Lorna Gray as Jean Browning * R ...

'' (1939) * '' Two-Fisted Rangers'' (1939) * ''

Bullets for Rustlers ''Bullets for Rustlers'' is a 1940 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson and written by John Rathmell. The film stars Charles Starrett, Lorna Gray, Bob Nolan, Dick Curtis, Kenneth MacDonald and Jack Rockwell. The film was released on Ma ...

'' (1940) * ''

Blazing Six Shooters ''Blazing Six Shooters'' is a 1940 American Western film directed by Joseph H. Lewis and written by Paul Franklin. The film stars Charles Starrett, Iris Meredith, Dick Curtis, Alan Bridge, George Cleveland and Henry Hall. The film was released ...

'' (1940) * ''

Texas Stagecoach ''Texas Stagecoach'' is a 1940 American Western film directed by Joseph H. Lewis and written by Fred Myton. The film stars Charles Starrett, Iris Meredith, Bob Nolan, Dick Curtis, Kenneth MacDonald and Pat Brady. The film was released on May ...

'' (1940) * '' The Durango Kid'' (1940) 1st Durango Kid film * ''

West of Abilene ''West of Abilene'' is a 1940 American Western film directed by Ralph Ceder and written by Paul Franklin. The film stars Charles Starrett, Marjorie Cooley, Bruce Bennett, William Pawley, Don Beddoe and George Cleveland. The film was released on ...

'' (1940) * ''

Thundering Frontier ''Thundering Frontier'' is a 1940 American Western film directed by D. Ross Lederman and starring Charles Starrett. Cast * Charles Starrett as Jim Filmore * Iris Meredith as Norma Belknap * Ray Bennett as Ed Filmore (as Raphael Bennett) * Ale ...

'' (1940) * '' The Pinto Kid'' (1941) * ''

Outlaws of the Panhandle ''Outlaws of the Panhandle'' is a 1941 American Western film directed by Sam Nelson and written by Paul Franklin. The film stars Charles Starrett, Frances Robinson, Stanley Brown, Norman Willis, Ray Teal and Lee Prather. The film was released ...

'' (1941) * ''

The Medico of Painted Springs ''The Medico of Painted Springs'' (also known as ''Doctor's Alibi'') is a 1941 American Western film produced by Columbia Pictures. Based on the novel of the same name by James Lyon Rubel, the film stars Charles Starrett, Terry Walker, Ben Tagg ...

'' (1941) * '' Thunder Over the Prairie'' (1941) * '' Prairie Stranger'' (1941) * ''

The Royal Mounted Patrol ''The Royal Mounted Patrol'' is a 1941 American Western film directed by Lambert Hillyer and written by Winston Miller. The film stars Charles Starrett, Russell Hayden, Wanda McKay, Donald Curtis, Lloyd Bridges and Evan Thomas. The film was relea ...

'' (1941) * ''

Riders of the Badlands ''Riders of the Badlands'' is a 1941 American Western film directed by Howard Bretherton and written by Betty Burbridge. The film stars Charles Starrett, Russell Hayden, Cliff Edwards, Ilene Brewer, Kay Hughes and Roy Barcroft. The film was rel ...

'' (1941) * '' West of Tombstone'' (1942) * ''

Lawless Plainsmen ''Lawless Plainsmen'' is a 1942 American Western film directed by William Berke and written by Luci Ward. The film stars Charles Starrett, Russell Hayden, Cliff Edwards, Luana Walters, Ray Bennett and Gwen Kenyon. The film was released on March ...

'' (1942) * ''

Down Rio Grande Way ''Down Rio Grande Way'' is a 1942 American Western film directed by William Berke and written by Paul Franklin. The film stars Charles Starrett, Russell Hayden, Britt Wood, Rose Anne Stevens, Norman Willis and Davison Clark. The film was releas ...

'' (1942) * ''

Riders of the Northland ''Riders of the Northland'' is a 1942 American Western film directed by William Berke and written by Paul Franklin. The film stars Charles Starrett, Russell Hayden, Shirley Patterson, Cliff Edwards, Bobby Larson and Lloyd Bridges. The film was ...

'' (1942) * '' Bad Men of the Hills'' (1942) * ''

Overland to Deadwood ''Overland to Deadwood'' is a 1942 American Western film directed by William Berke and written by Paul Franklin. The film stars Charles Starrett, Russell Hayden, Cliff Edwards, Leslie Brooks, Norman Willis and Matt Willis. The film was released ...

'' (1942) * ''

Riding Through Nevada ''Riding Through Nevada'' is a 1942 American Western film directed by William Berke and written by Gerald Geraghty. The film stars Charles Starrett, Shirley Patterson, Arthur Hunnicutt, Jimmie Davis, Clancy Cooper and Davison Clark. The film ...

'' (1942) * '' Pardon My Gun'' (1942) * '' The Fighting Buckaroo'' (1943) * ''

Law of the Northwest ''Law of the Northwest'' is a 1943 American Western film directed by William Berke and starring Charles Starrett, Shirley Patterson and Arthur Hunnicutt.Pitts p.184 Plot Cast * Charles Starrett as Steve King * Shirley Patterson as Michele Da ...

'' (1943) * '' Frontier Fury'' (1943) * '' Robin Hood of the Range'' (1943) * ''

Hail to the Rangers ''Hail to the Rangers'' is a 1943 American Western film directed by William Berke and written by Gerald Geraghty. The film stars Charles Starrett, Arthur Hunnicutt, Robert Owen Atcher, Leota Atcher, Norman Willis and Lloyd Bridges. The film was ...

'' (1943) * ''

Cowboy in the Clouds ''Cowboy in the Clouds'' is a 1943 American Western film directed by Benjamin H. Kline and written by Elizabeth Beecher. The film stars Charles Starrett, Dub Taylor, Julie Duncan, Jimmy Wakely, Davison Clark and Wally Wales. The film was rel ...

'' (1943) * ''

Cowboy Canteen ''Cowboy Canteen'' is a 1944 American musical western film directed by Lew Landers and starring Charles Starrett. Plot Entertainers perform on a dude ranch for soldiers. Cast * Charles Starrett as Steve Bradley * Jane Frazee as Connie Gray * ...

'' (1944) * ''

Sundown Valley ''Sundown Valley'' is a 1944 American Western film directed by Benjamin H. Kline and written by Luci Ward. The film stars Charles Starrett, Dub Taylor, Jeanne Bates and Jimmy Wakely. The film was released on March 23, 1944, by Columbia Picture ...

'' (1944) * ''

Riding West ''Riding West'' is a 1944 American Western film directed by William Berke and starring Charles Starrett. Plot Steve Jordan (Charles Starrett) is hired by Alexander Morton (Steve Clark) as the head man to get the stations, horses and people in ...

'' (1944) * ''

Cowboy from Lonesome River ''Cowboy from Lonesome River'' is a 1944 American Western film directed by Benjamin H. Kline and written by Luci Ward. The film stars Charles Starrett, Vi Athens, Dub Taylor, Jimmy Wakely, Kenneth MacDonald and Ozie Waters. The film was relea ...

'' (1944) * ''

Cyclone Prairie Rangers ''Cyclone Prairie Rangers'' is a 1944 American Western film directed by Benjamin H. Kline and written by Elizabeth Beecher. The film stars Charles Starrett, Dub Taylor, Constance Worth, Jimmie Davis and Jimmy Wakely. The film was released on N ...

'' (1944) * ''

Saddle Leather Law ''Saddle Leather Law'' is a 1944 American Western film directed by Benjamin H. Kline and written by Elizabeth Beecher. The film stars Charles Starrett, Dub Taylor, Vi Athens, Lloyd Bridges, Jimmy Wakely and Salty Holmes. The film was released ...

'' (1944) * ''

The Return of the Durango Kid ''The Return of the Durango Kid'' is a 1945 American Western film directed by Derwin Abrahams and written by J. Benton Cheney. The film stars Charles Starrett, Tex Harding, Jean Stevens and John Calvert. The film was released on April 19, 1945 ...

'' (1945) 2nd Durango Kid film * ''

Both Barrels Blazing ''Both Barrels Blazing'' is a 1945 American Western film directed by Derwin Abrahams and starring Charles Starrett. Plot The outlaw gangs are robbing the railroads and the Rangers cannot follow them when they move to New Mexico. So Kip decides ...

'' (1945) * ''

Sagebrush Heroes ''Sagebrush Heroes'' is a 1945 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Benjamin H. Kline and written by Luci Ward. The film stars Charles Starrett, Dub Taylor, Constance Worth, Jimmy Wakely, Ozie Waters and Elvin Field. The film was ...

'' (1945) * '' Rough Ridin' Justice'' (1945) * ''

Rustlers of the Badlands ''Rustlers of the Badlands'' is a 1945 American Western film directed by Derwin Abrahams and starring Charles Starrett, Carla Balenda and Dub Taylor.Drew p.108 Cast * Charles Starrett as Steve Lindsay / The Durango Kid * Tex Harding as Tex H ...

'' (1945) * ''

Outlaws of the Rockies ''Outlaws of the Rockies'' is a 1945 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by J. Benton Cheney. The film stars Charles Starrett, Tex Harding, Dub Taylor, Carole Mathews, Carolina Cotton and Spade Cooley. The film was releas ...

'' (1945) * '' Blazing the Western Trail'' (1945) * '' Lawless Empire'' (1945) * ''

Texas Panhandle The Texas Panhandle is a region of the U.S. state of Texas consisting of the northernmost 26 counties in the state. The panhandle is a square-shaped area bordered by New Mexico to the west and Oklahoma to the north and east. It is adjacent to ...

'' (1945) * ''

Frontier Gunlaw ''Frontier Gunlaw'' is a 1946 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Derwin Abrahams and written by Bennett Cohen. The film stars Charles Starrett, Tex Harding, Dub Taylor, Jean Stevens, Weldon Heyburn and Jack Rockwell. The film wa ...

'' (1946) * ''

Roaring Rangers ''Roaring Rangers'' is a 1946 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Adele Roberts, Merle Travis and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on February 14, 1946, by Columbia ...

'' (1946) * ''

Gunning for Vengeance ''Gunning for Vengeance'' is a 1946 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro, which stars Charles Starrett, Marjean Neville, and The Trailsmen. Cast list * Charles Starrett as Steve Landry aka The Durango Kid * Marjean Neville as Elaine Je ...

'' (1946) * '' Galloping Thunder'' (1946) * ''

Two-Fisted Stranger ''Two-Fisted Stranger'' is a 1946 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Robert Lee Johnson. The film stars Charles Starrett, Doris Houck, Zeke Clements and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on May 30, 1946, by Colum ...

'' (1946) * ''

The Desert Horseman ''The Desert Horseman'' is a 1946 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Sherman L. Lowe. The film stars Charles Starrett, Adele Roberts, Walt Shrum and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on July 11, 1946, by Columbia ...

'' (1946) * '' Heading West'' (1946) * '' Landrush'' (1946) * '' Terror Trail'' (1946) * ''

The Fighting Frontiersman ''The Fighting Frontiersman'' is a 1946 American Western film directed by Derwin Abrahams and written by Ed Earl Repp. The film stars Charles Starrett, Helen Mowery, Hank Newman and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on December 10, 1946, b ...

'' (1946) * '' South of the Chisholm Trail'' (1947) * ''

The Lone Hand Texan ''The Lone Hand Texan'' is a 1947 American Western musical film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett, Mustard, Gravy, Smiley Burnette, John Cason, and George Chesebro. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on March 6, 194 ...

'' (1947) * '' West of Dodge City'' (1947) * ''

Law of the Canyon ''Law of the Canyon'' is a 1947 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Eileen Gary. The film stars Charles Starrett, Nancy Saunders, Robert 'Buzz' Henry, Texas Jim Lewis and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on April ...

'' (1947) * ''

Prairie Raiders ''Prairie Raiders'' is a 1947 American Western film directed by Derwin Abrahams and written by Ed Earl Repp. The film stars Charles Starrett, Nancy Saunders, Mark Roberts, Ozie Waters and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on May 29, 1947, ...

'' (1947) * ''

The Stranger from Ponca City ''The Stranger from Ponca City'' is a 1947 American Western film directed by Derwin Abrahams and written by Ed Earl Repp. The film stars Charles Starrett, Virginia Hunter, Texas Jim Lewis and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on July 3, 1 ...

'' (1947) * ''

Riders of the Lone Star ''Riders of the Lone Star'' is a 1947 American Western film directed by Derwin Abrahams and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Virginia Hunter, Curly Williams and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on August 14, 194 ...

'' (1947) * ''

Buckaroo from Powder River ''Buckaroo from Powder River'' is a 1947 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Norman S. Hall. The film stars Charles Starrett, Eve Miller, Forrest Taylor, Paul Campbell and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on Octo ...

'' (1947) * '' Last Days of Boot Hill'' (1947) * ''

Six-Gun Law ''Six-Gun Law'' is a 1948 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Nancy Saunders, Paul Campbell, Hugh Prosser, Curly Clements and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on ...

'' (1948) * ''

Phantom Valley ''Phantom Valley'' is a 1948 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by J. Benton Cheney. The film stars Charles Starrett, Virginia Hunter, Ozie Waters and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on February 19, 1948, by Colum ...

'' (1948) * '' West of Sonora'' (1948) * '' Whirlwind Raiders'' (1948) * ''

Blazing Across the Pecos ''Blazing Across the Pecos'' is a 1948 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Norman S. Hall. The film stars Charles Starrett, Patricia Barry, Paul Campbell (American actor), Paul Campbell, Charles C. Wils ...

'' (1948) * ''

Trail to Laredo ''Trail to Laredo'' is a 1948 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Jim Bannon, Virginia Maxey, Tommy Ivo, Hugh Prosser and Smiley Burnette. The film was re ...

'' (1948) * '' El Dorado Pass'' (1948) * ''

Quick on the Trigger ''Quick on the Trigger'' is a 1948 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Elmer Clifton. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Lyle Talbot, Helen Parrish, George Eldredge and Ted Adams. The film was released ...

'' (1948) * ''

Challenge of the Range ''Challenge of the Range'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Ed Earl Repp. The film stars Charles Starrett, Paula Raymond, Billy Halop, Steve Darrell, Henry Hall, Robert Filmer and Smiley Burnette. The fil ...

'' (1949) * '' Desert Vigilante'' (1949) * '' Laramie'' (1949) * '' The Blazing Trail'' (1949) * '' South of Death Valley'' (1949) * ''

Bandits of El Dorado ''Bandits of El Dorado'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, George J. Lewis, Fred F. Sears, John Dehner, Clayton Moore and Smiley Burnette. The film was relea ...

'' (1949) * ''

Horsemen of the Sierras ''Horsemen of the Sierras'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, T. Texas Tyler, Lois Hall, Tommy Ivo and John Dehner. The film was released ...

'' (1949) * ''

Renegades of the Sage ''Renegades of the Sage'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Earle Snell. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Leslie Banning, Trevor Bardette, Douglas Fowley and Jock Mahoney. The film was rele ...

'' (1949) * ''

Trail of the Rustlers ''Trail of the Rustlers'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett, Gail Davis and Tommy Ivo. It is part of the Durango Kid series of films.Pitts p.363 It is also known by the alternative title ''Los ...

'' (1950) * '' Outcast of Black Mesa'' (1950) * ''

Texas Dynamo ''Texas Dynamo'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Lois Hall, Jock Mahoney, Slim Duncan and John Dehner. The film was released on June 1, 195 ...

'' (1950) * ''

Streets of Ghost Town ''Streets of Ghost Town'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Barry Shipman. The film, reusing footage from the 1946 Durango Kid films ''Gunning for Vengeance'' and ''Landrush'', stars Charles Starrett, Ge ...

'' (1950) * ''

Across the Badlands ''Across the Badlands'' is a 1950 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Helen Mowery, Stanley Andrews, Robert J. Wilke and Dick Elliott. T ...

'' (1950) * '' Raiders of Tomahawk Creek'' (1950) * ''

Frontier Outpost ''Frontier Outpost'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett, Lois Hall and Steve Darrell.Blottner p.148 It is part of the Durango Kid series. Plot Cast * Charles Starrett as Steve Lawton / Dura ...

'' (1950) * ''

Lightning Guns ''Lightning Guns'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Charles Starrett, Gloria Henry and William Bailey.Pitts p.191 The film is part of Columbia's long-running Durango Kid series. It was shot at the Iver ...

'' (1950) * '' Prairie Roundup'' (1951) * ''

Pecos River The Pecos River ( es, Río Pecos) originates in north-central New Mexico and flows into Texas, emptying into the Rio Grande. Its headwaters are on the eastern slope of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in Mora County north of Pecos, New Mexico ...

'' (1951) * ''

Ridin' the Outlaw Trail ''Ridin' the Outlaw Trail'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Charles Starrett, Sunny Vickers and Edgar Dearing.Martin p.464 The film's sets were designed by the art director Charles Clague. Shot at the I ...

'' (1951) * ''

Fort Savage Raiders ''Fort Savage Raiders'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Barry Shipman. Released in March 1951 by Columbia Pictures, the production stars Charles Starrett and Smiley Burnette, with John Dehner, Trevor Bar ...

'' (1951) * ''

Snake River Desperadoes ''Snake River Desperadoes'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Don Reynolds, Tommy Ivo, Monte Blue and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on May 30, 19 ...

'' (1951) * ''

Bonanza Town ''Bonanza Town'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears who plays the villain and starring Charles Starrett, Myron Healey, and Luther Crockett.Pitts p.37 It is part of the Durango Kid series. It was shot at the Iverson Ranc ...

'' (1951) * '' Cyclone Fury'' (1951) * ''

The Kid from Amarillo ''The Kid from Amarillo'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette and Harry Lauter.Pitts p.172 It is part of the Durango Kid series. In Britain it was released under the alternative ...

'' (1951) * ''

Smoky Canyon ''Smoky Canyon'' is a 1952 American Western musical film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Charles Starrett, Jock Mahoney, Danni Sue Nolan, Tris Coffin, and Larry Hudson. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on January 31, 1952. Pl ...

'' (1952) * ''

The Hawk of Wild River ''The Hawk of Wild River'' is a 1952 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Howard J. Green. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Jock Mahoney, Clayton Moore, Eddie Parker (actor), Eddie Par ...

'' (1952) * '' Laramie Mountains'' (1952) * '' The Rough, Tough West'' (1952) * '' Junction City'' (1952) * '' The Kid from Broken Gun'' (1952)

References

External links

B-Western.com

*
Charles Starrett - One Fan's Journey
{{DEFAULTSORT:Starrett, Charles American male film actors Male Western (genre) film actors Worcester Academy alumni 1903 births 1986 deaths Deaths from cancer in California People from Athol, Massachusetts Male actors from Massachusetts Dartmouth Big Green football players 20th-century American male actors Columbia Pictures contract players

Early years

Career

Cowboy star

The Durango Kid

Later years

Selected filmography

References

Further reading

External links