The Fighting Phantom (aka Mysterious Rider)

Based on a short story by cowboy author Zane Grey and set in the shadow of Boulder Dam, The Fighting Phantom tells a tale of Arizona Valley ranchers driven from their land by greedy and ruthless landsharks - a classic clash between the pioneering West and the powerful East. When the poor landowners realize they have lost everything - their homes and their savings, a likeable young rancher, Wade Benton (Kent Taylor) offers to help them, only to be framed and imprisoned by the same unscrupulous moguls. Just as these families are forced to ride away in a long, sad caravan, a mysterious rider appears, gathering evidence that may soon prove who really holds title to the land.

It's the East versus the West in this tale of Arizona Valley ranchers forced to fight for their land with all they've got. This doesn't prove to be enough as the men in suits win with their money and business-minded ruthlessness. After losing everything they've ever valued, the poor family may just have a second chance if they're willing to bet on the puzzling kindness of a shadowy stranger. Based on a story by Zane Grey, this western stars Kent Taylor and Irving Pichel.