From SlashFilm · Witney Seibold · · 1m 10s
The Durango Kid: 65 Western Movies Launched in 1940
A 1940 Western film sparked a franchise with 65 movies by 1952.
In brief
A 1940 Western film sparked a franchise with 65 movies by 1952. Lambert Hillyer's 1940 Western 'The Durango Kid' started a franchise with 65 films released through 1952. Originally reported by SlashFilm.
The Durango Kid's Origin
Lambert Hillyer's 1940 Western film launched a franchise with 65 movies by 1952.
First Release and Sequels
The film debuted in summer 1940, with seven sequels released in 1945.
The Durango Kid's Identity
Bill Lowry, played by Charles Starrett, became the Durango Kid after his father was murdered.
Changing Real Names
The Durango Kid had different real names in each movie, including Steve Buckner and Jeff Waring.
Charles Starrett's Contract
Starrett signed a five-year contract with Columbia Pictures after initially refusing to be typecast.
Starrett's Pay and Career
Starrett earned $400 weekly at Columbia, down from $450 at Paramount, but received annual salary bumps.
Final Release and End
The last Durango Kid movie, 'The Kid from Broken Gun,' was released in 1952, after which Starrett retired.
What to remember
Lambert Hillyer's 1940 Western 'The Durango Kid' started a franchise with 65 films released through 1952.
