The Old Chisholm Trail (1942): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1942, The Old Chisholm Trail is an action, music and western film directed by Elmer Clifton, running about 61 minutes. “Renegade Ranchers! Rustlers!... A Stampede of Roaring Action... as Johnny and Tex crack down on ruthless range racketeers!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Dusty Gardner, and other Texas ranchers, are driving a herd of cattle to Abilene, Kansas along the Chisholm Trail. Desperate need of water takes them to the Turner ranch, where Belle Turner demands exorbitant prices for the water. Dusty learns that Belle is also trying to oust Mary Lee and Montana Smith from the trading post Mary operates. The sheriff sides with Belle following a fight between the two women. Belle knows there is artesian springs under the land the trading post occupies and intends to get the property by any means.

Who’s in it. The Old Chisholm Trail stars Johnny Mack Brown as Dusty Gardner, Tex Ritter as Montana Smith, Fuzzy Knight as Alvin Pendergast aka Polario and Jennifer Holt as Mary Lee, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 9.0/10, The Old Chisholm Trail sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Old Chisholm Trail page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Old Chisholm Trail tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.