Thundering Thompson

Produced in 1928 in Kernville, California, by Morris R. Schlank, this low-budget silent Western was one in a series of eight oaters starring Cheyenne Bill (real name: William Harold McKechnie). Cheyenne is deputized sheriff in order to oust a girl (Neva Gerber) and her father (Ed LaNiece) from lands desired by villain Al Ferguson. The novice lawman, however, sides with his “victims” and turns the table on the bad guys. The series was directed by the prolific Benjamin J. Wilson, scripted by Robert Dillon, and photographed by Robert Cline. Stunt-man Cliff Lyons, whose own starring series was filmed simultaneously, appeared as Ferguson’s henchman.