In 2011, I announced I was trying to see every film released in 1939. This new series chronicles films released in 1939 as I watch them. As we start out this blog feature, this section may become more concrete as I search for a common thread that runs throughout each film of the year. Right now, that’s difficult.

1939 film:
Marshal of Mesa City (1939)

Release date:
Nov. 3, 1939

Cast:
George O’Brien, Virginia Vale, Leon Ames, Henry Brandon, Harry Cording, Lloyd Ingraham, Slim Whitaker, Joe McGuin, Mary Gordon, Frank Ellis

Studio:
RKO Radio Pictures

Director:
David Howard

Plot:
Mesa City is filled with crime and the local sheriff, Jud Cronin (Ames) is corrupt. The criminal activity has gotten so bad, that school teacher Virginia King (Vale) is ready to leave town. However, when former lawman Cliff Mason (O’Brien) comes to town, the mayor hires him as marshal. To help him out, Mason hires gunman Duke Allison (Brandon) to help get the town in order.

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