THE RANGER AND THE LADY (1940) Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Julie Bishop | Drama, Western | B&W

The Ranger and the Lady is a 1940 American Western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers, and George "Gabby" Hayes.

SYNOPSIS
While Sam Houston (Davison Clark) is in Washington, D.C., lobbying for Texas to join the Union, his temporary replacement, General Augustus LaRue (Henry Brandon), seeks to impose his own rule over the Republic of Texas. LaRue sets an exploitative tax on all wagons using the Santa Fe Trail, aiming to consolidate his power and wealth.

Texas Ranger Captain Roy Colt (Roy Rogers) and his loyal Sergeant Gabby Whittaker (George "Gabby" Hayes) are ordered to enforce this unfair tax. Captain Colt is opposed to LaRue's tactics but plays along to stay close enough to counter his plans.

Among the first to face the new tax is Jane Tabor (Jacqueline Wells, later known as Julie Bishop), a determined wagon train owner. With the help of her scout, Hank Purdy (Si Jenks), she refuses to pay and is subsequently arrested by Colt. When brought before LaRue, Jane charms him into granting her a monopoly over the freight lines, a move she secretly makes to avenge her father's death, for which she holds LaRue responsible.

Misunderstanding Jane's true intentions, Colt initially views her actions with contempt. Meanwhile, Jane believes Colt is merely a pawn of LaRue. The situation escalates as other wagon train owners revolt against the tax. With the support of Colt and the disillusioned Purdy, they use force to ensure their wagons pass through.

During a confrontation, Purdy is wounded, and Jane comes to his aid, beginning to repair the strained relationships. Through Gabby's mediation, Colt and Jane's misunderstandings are resolved. Together, they work to expose LaRue's treachery. In the end, LaRue is brought to justice, and Sam Houston's efforts to bring Texas into the Union are realized, thanks in part to the brave actions of Colt, Jane, and their allies.

CAST & CREW
Roy Rogers as Texas Ranger Captain Roy Colt
George "Gabby" Hayes as Texas Ranger Sergeant Gabby Whittaker
Julie Bishop as Jane Tabor (billed as Jacqueline Wells)
Harry Woods as Kincaid
Henry Brandon as General Augustus Larue
Noble Johnson as Henchman El Lobo
Si Jenks as Freighter Hank Purdy
Ted Mapes as Henchman Kramer
Yakima Canutt as Mack

Directed by: Joseph Kane
Written by: Stuart Anthony, Gerald Geraghty, Bernard McConville (story)
Produced by: Joseph Kane
Cinematography: Reggie Lanning
Edited by: Lester Orlebeck
Production company: Republic Pictures
Distributed by: Republic Pictures
Release date: July 30, 1940 (United States)
Running time: 59 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English