Roaring Rangers (1946): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1946, Roaring Rangers is a western film directed by Ray Nazarro, running about 56 minutes. “The Durango Kid and Smiley bring you double-barreled wild west thrill-fun!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. When Sheriff Jeff Connor of Powder River cannot stop the crime wave, his young son, Larry, writes to the Durango Kid for aid. Taggart, the saloon owner, is the secret head of the outlaws, while Connor's brother Bill is in cahoots with him. Steve Randall, the Durango Kid, and his pal, Smiley Butterbean, arrive in time to stop a stagecoach holdup, and Steve is made a deputy sheriff. Taggart has one of his men, Slade, pose as the Durango Kid and while he is speaking to the townspeople, the rest of the outlaw gang pillages the town, and this somewhat damages the Durango Kid in the eyes of Larry and his sister Doris. Steve suggests that Sheriff Connor visit the government about a railroad project, and Taggart instructs Slade and the gang leader to kill Connor on his trip back.

Who’s in it. Roaring Rangers stars Charles Starrett as Steve Randall / The Durango Kid, Adele Roberts as Doris Connor (as Adelle Roberts), Merle Travis as Guitar Player Travis and Smiley Burnette as Smiley Burnette, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, Roaring Rangers has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Roaring Rangers page.

If you liked it. Fans of Roaring Rangers tend to enjoy The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Django Unchained, Once Upon a Time in the West and For a Few Dollars More.