Former silent film star George O’Brien made the transition to sound chiefly performing in westerns, and he appeared in a well-regarded string of westerns at RKO at the end of the 1930s. Lawless Valley was one of these: an efficient little B picture with a helping of humor. The plot is based on a story by pulp writer W. C. Tuttle: Parolee Larry Rhodes (O’Brien) return to his hometown to discover who framed him and his father (reportedly a suicide) for a stagecoach robbery. His suspicions center on Tom Marsh and his son Jeff (played by real-life father and son Fred Kohler, Sr., and Fred Kohler, Jr.). The elder Marsh is also guardian of Larry’s sweetheart, Norma Rogers (Kay Sutton), and plans to have her marry his son. The plot may be familiar, but the filmmakers did provide a few surprises.

  Recommended. Otto finds this one pleasing enough to relax.