Lightning Strikes West (1940): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1940, Lightning Strikes West is a western film directed by Harry L. Fraser, running about 55 minutes. “Another 100 per cent score for the screen's premier Western star! A cyclonic drama of Love, laughter and slaughter in a land where blue steel Blints, bullets whine, and Death rides on dangero” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. When Butch Taggart escapes prison, the Marshal sends Lightning Morgan to find him and his hidden gold. He finds the map to the gold on Taggart's boot. Joe Laikon and his men are also after the gold and they overpower Morgan, get the map, and head for the treasure. But Morgan and Tod Grant are soon on their trail

Who’s in it. Lightning Strikes West stars Ken Maynard as Lightning Ken Morgan, Claire Rochelle as Mae Grant, Bob Terry as Tad Grant and Michael Vallon as Butch Taggart, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 3.0/10, Lightning Strikes West has proved divisive with audiences.

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

If you liked it. Fans of Lightning Strikes West 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.