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• Special to the Leader & Times
In the late 19th century, the town of Liberal is under siege by trail riders, outlaws who have been hired by cattlemen to terrorize farmers and drive livestock across their parched fields. The largest investor has requested Billy Burns, played by George “Gabby” Hayes, contact his friend, the U.S. Marshall to bring law and order to the town.
The residents of today’s Liberal will soon have the chance to view the wild west with the showing of “Trail Street,” starring Randolf Scott as Bat Masterson, U.S. Marshall.
According to TCM’s article on “Trail Street,” the 1947 film brought together an established actor who would dominate westerns in the decade to follow and a rising star who would become closely identified with the genre.
Scott plays the legendary gunman Bat Masterson, brought to to Liberal to clean up the bad element theratening the well being of the local farmers and destroying peace among the community.
Allen Harper, played by Robert Ryan, is the federal land agent from back east who forsees a prosperous future in wheat replacing the area’s traditional cattle trade. The story hinges on many of the standard conflicts that came to define the western; farmers vs. cattlemen, democratic action vs. individualism.
These resonant themes, under Ray Enright’s skillful direction, struck a chord with audiences and made the movie a hit in its day.
The public is invited to join the Coronado Museum staff for the 66th anniversary of “Trail Street” on Sunday for three showings of the film.
It will be shown at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday with admission price at $1.25 per person, and seating is limited.
Reservations can be made at 624-7624 or go by the museum and pick up tickets.
For more information, call JoAnne Mansell at 624-7624.
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