The Lucky Texan is a 1934 Lonestar Films B-movie Western film featuring John Wayne (five years before his breakthrough appearance in Stagecoach), Barbara Sheldon, Gabby Hayes, and the legendary stuntman and actor Yakima Canutt. It was written and directed by Robert N. Bradbury. It also contains a rare (perhaps unique) appearance by “Gabby” Hayes without a beard and in drag.

The script’s original working title was Gold Strike River, and the film was years later released in a colorized version on home video under that title.

Plot
Jerry Mason, a young Texan, and Jake Benson, an old rancher, become partners and strike it rich with a gold mine. They then find their lives complicated by bad guys and a woman.

Cast
John Wayne as Jerry Mason
Barbara Sheldon as Betty Benson
Lloyd Whitlock as Harris
George “Gabby” Hayes as Jake “Grandy” Benson
Yakima Canutt as Joe Cole
Eddie Parker as Al Miller, the sheriff’s son
Gordon De Main as Williams, the banker
Earl Dwire as Sheriff Miller