The Lawless Nineties

The Lawless Nineties

Year: 1936

Runtime: 55 mins

Language: English

Director: Joseph Kane

Western

Federal agents Tipton and Bridger arrive in Wyoming as the territory prepares for a statehood vote. Outlaw Plummer and his gang seek to sabotage the result. After Plummer’s men murder Bridger, Tipton persists, using fake telegrams to trap the gang and rally the ranchers. On election day the townspeople confront Plummer’s barricade and restore order.

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Timeline & Setting – The Lawless Nineties (1936)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Lawless Nineties (1936). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1890s

Set in the late 19th century American West, a period of westward expansion and political reform. Frontier towns wrestle with lawlessness, the reach of organized crime, and the beginnings of organized state governance. Technology like the telegraph and the press shape how information and influence spread as ballots near.

Location

Wyoming Territory, Crocket City

Set in the Wyoming Territory, the story centers on the rough town of Crocket City where outlaws hold sway and political agendas collide. The landscape is dusty and vast, a frontier crossroads where the press, lawmen, and vigilantes clash. The fate of Wyoming's statehood hinges on protecting the vote and preserving order in a lawless era.

🏜️ Frontier 🗺️ Frontier Town

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:37

Main Characters – The Lawless Nineties (1936)

Meet the key characters of The Lawless Nineties (1936), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John Tipton (John Wayne)

A federal undercover agent who arrives in Crocket City to crack down on crime and protect the statehood vote. He is resourceful, fearless, and capable of quick improvisation to outwit outlaws and safeguard innocent civilians. He leads with steadiness, forging alliances and driving the mission forward.

🗡️ Brave 🧭 Steadfast

Janet Carter (Ann Rutherford)

Daughter of Major Carter and co-owner of the Crocket City Blade. She helps print posters supporting statehood and stands up to lawlessness, proving herself resilient under pressure. Her involvement with Tipton places her at the center of the town's struggle for justice.

🗞️ Determined 🕊️ Courageous

Major Carter (George Gabby Hayes)

Father of Janet, he buys the local newspaper and uses the press to rally support for statehood while adopting caution after the threat of violence. He believes in mobilizing public opinion but recognizes the cost of taking a stand against criminals. His leadership underlines the power and danger of the frontier press.

🗺️ Influential 🗡️ Protective

Bridger (Lane Chandler)

An undercover federal agent who assists Tipton, sending coded messages and coordinating the counteroffensive. He demonstrates loyalty and tactical thinking, even when the assignment puts him at risk. His later shooting injury complicates the mission but amplifies the stakes.

🧭 Steady 🗡️ Resourceful

Charles K. Plummer (Harry Woods)

A scheming local businessman who orchestrates plots to derail the telegraph and voting, working with Steele and other outlaws. He plans to flee with money but is ultimately confronted and subdued. His manipulation highlights the corrupt side of frontier politics.

🗡️ Cunning 🧭 Ruthless

Steele (Al Bridge)

Outlaw leader aligned with Plummer, coordinating attacks and intimidation to suppress the vote. He serves as the violent enforcer of the gang, driving much of the town's danger. He is ultimately killed by Plummer during a bid to escape.

🗡️ Ruthless 🕶️ Shadowy

Moses (Fred 'Snowflake' Toones)

Carter's servant who accompanies the family during the perilous journey and becomes part of the community’s response to the crisis. His presence reflects the everyday frontier life behind the political drama.

🕊️ Loyal 🧭 Helpful

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:37

Major Themes – The Lawless Nineties (1936)

Explore the central themes of The Lawless Nineties (1936), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗳️ Statehood

Wyoming's bid for statehood drives the conflict, with outlaws trying to derail the vote. The film shows how political power, media, and frontier justice intersect in a nascent democracy. Tipton and Bridger work to protect the vote and restore order as threats escalate.

🗞️ Press & Justice

Carter uses the local newspaper to advocate for order and statehood, risking danger to publish truth. Posters and reporting become tools to expose plots and rally townspeople to defend the ballot. The free press serves as a catalyst for civic action in a volatile town.

⚔️ Law & Order

Undercover agents navigate a web of treachery, with telegraph tapping, coded messages, and calculated assaults. Outlaws strike to suppress the election, while Tipton and Bridger coordinate a counteroffensive to restore lawful governance. The climactic confrontations test loyalty and endurance on the frontier.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:37

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The Lawless Nineties Summary

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The Lawless Nineties Timeline

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