The Light of Western Stars

Previous filmed three times (most recently in 1930), the 1940 Paramount production Light of Western Stars was the latest in the studio's "Zane Grey" series. Victor Jory earns a rare top-billing slot as Gene Stewart, a hard-drinking Westerner who is reformed through the love of Boston debutante ...more

This is an unusually good and serious Western, especially given its short running time; the violence is presented seriously, and the action encompasses issues such as prejudice, racism, and personal responsibility, all material that was usually neglected in oaters of the era. The seriousness of the script is amplified by the excellent performances, not only by Victor Jory and Jo Ann Sayers in the two leading roles, but also by the supporting players, with Noah Beery Jr. doing very well in the ...more