WANDERER OF THE WASTELAND! Full Western Movie in HD Zane Grey Classic on Word’s Wayback! WOW!

WANDERER OF THE WASTELAND from western legend Zane Grey is another in RKO’s series of B westerns which were all several notches above those produced by Republic, Monogram and PRC. George O’Brien had been RKO’s western star in the 30s and was replaced by Tim Holt until Holt left for service in WWII. Tim was replaced in the B western series by Bob Mitchum who, after making only two films, moved up to A movies.

There was a script ready to go. It was a remake of Zane Grey’s WANDERER OF THE WASTELAND. RKO decided to keep the same production team, same sidekick, Richard Martin as Chito Rafferty, and use the popular Zane Grey name to launch their newest western hero…JAMES WARREN. Tall, good looking, and he could ride a horse, the former Saturday Evening Post artist was cast in the lead role. James Warren was to be the new cowboy hero at RKO. Everything was there except for the charisma. Co-starring as Warren’s leading lady was Audrey Long. The actress had recently been in TALL IN THE SADDLE with John Wayne and would next appear with Lawrence Tierney and Claire Trevor in BORN TO KILL.

WANDERER OF THE WASTELAND was to be the first of three starring RKO westerns for James Warren. The problem? He wasn’t given much to do, and even though the film had stunning locations in Lone Pine and Red Wall Canyon, it was a disappointment. Warren’s career wasn’t over though. He starred in a western TV pilot called TRIGGER TALES in 1950, which will be shown following the feature. It’s something you’ll never forget. James Warren has two sidekicks, and their names are supered as they come galloping on screen. All I can say is…they forgot their horses! The second sidekick is even waiting for his cue before he starts to “ride.”

James Warren left acting and retired to Hawaii, where he resumed his art career.
Thanks for joining us. Now let’s wander in the western wasteland.

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[WildBill-kfpc]

It’s a wonderful thing to see Words Way Back Again. YEE HAW !

[Waynegilchrist-rh]

Love Zane Grey's wonderful stories. Thank you Rob Word, really great movie and also these old shorts that could always pack so much into them in such little space. Glad you are back on air on Fridays, congratulations.

[robertburtcher]

I guess I should start off by saying hello fellow Western watchers...

[arlineabdalian]

I loved Audrey Long in Tall in the Saddle, one of my favorite John Wayne movies.

[arlineabdalian]

Thanks, Rob, for another one of your Friday night Western film screenings.

[kenhurley]

In the 2nd movie Glen Strange (Sam the bartender in Gunsmoke) played Blake. Great 2 movies Rob! Thanks for the memories!

[rodgerhatfield]

If you ever go to lake powell and happen to visit Rainbow Bridge, between two large rocks at the base is Zane’s autograph. A local showed me back in the 90s. Made an impact on me.

[robertwoodstribute]

Wonderful Work dear Rob I love following your work

[asadibrahim]

Hi love Western Movies 30th And 40 Thanks Sir 👍 Again ❤

[Rgarizonahomestead]

Many kid grew up with these movies. Nice to take step back in time. Thanks for posting it for all to enjoy

[cowboyrickpennyfeather]

Great teaser/trivia to build new fans and delight us old fans! Will serve well for our "Picture Show Time" at our monthly outpost meetings. Thanks, Pard!

[waterbourne]

Zane Grey set the standard for Westerns. Good story well told.

[docholliday]

Thanks, A Word On Westerns for sharing ! 🐎

[kevinbrauer]

I luv Westerns!!.. This one goes along with the best of them!!.. Very much enjoyed!!.. Thanks to everybody involved with this production!!.. Kevin.. 🙂

[r.a.monigold]

Mister Word, as a 78 year old I should know better, but for several years now I've been enjoying both the Westerns you share with us, AND your entertaining and very informational introductions. Please, let this be my apoligy for not commenting or giving you a thums up until now. In the 1950's my father was stationed at the Navy Base in Seattle and every Saturday nite we would go to the Base movie where 1 of the 2 films was ALWAYS a Western.

[bizzybee]

I love all of the old Westerns based on Zane Grey novels. Thanks for posting.

[fayankinnukayodeolu]

Louis Lamour happens to be a great western writer that I have read over time.Thanks for this movie

[robertburtcher]

Is a kid my grandparents used to take me to Zane Gray's cabin somewhere up near Payson and Flagstaff it was pretty cool till somebody burned it down

[heitorgomesmd]

Rob, I don’t think Warren lacks charisma. He is a good actor for me. As you’ve said, tall, good looking, fair horse rider. His performance was adequate for the character he was playing. Honest performance. He has some resemblance with young Gary Cooper. Gary looks too much overactive (dramatic) for me in his first movies (but gets better with age). Happy trails to you. God bless.

[terryhurlburt]

IF IT'S A RKO WESTERN I'm IN! I never saw a bad one! Thanks, Rob!