The Last Outlaw (2014)

Mike Tarp plays Johnny Ringo, who’s none too thrilled to find out he’s being blamed for murders he didn’t commit.

That’s just what’s happening in the town of Dead Eyes, where two men are killed in a dispute over a card game and the mayor’s wife is killed when the town bank is held up.

Sheriff Charlie Maxwell summons Bat Masterson for assistance. After all, he’s been on Ringo’s trail for more than a year. And when two Pinkerton agents show up, the town’s mourning mayor hires them to help bring Ringo to justice too.

After the sheriff is ambushed, Ringo convinces Masterson that someone is trying to frame him. Together, they set out to find out who’s really behind all the killings. In the process, they uncover shenanigans involving a supposedly played-out mine that really isn’t.

Review:

Another bare-bones budget Western from Kelly, who also brought us “ Jesse James: Lawman” (2015) and “Hell at My Heels (2011).” How bare bones? Well, apparently horses were in short supply. So the notorious outlaw named Ringo has had his horse stolen, meaning he has to walk wherever he goes.

There are some continuity issues with the plot. For instance, the sheriff writes Masterson, asking for help. When Masterson arrives, he asks the bartender to tell him all about the murders that happened earlier “today.” Didn’t know mail traveled that fast in the West.

Of course, one of the big plot twists involves who’s framing Johnny Ringo. But you’re unlikely to be surprised by that character’s identity. After all, the cast isn’t that large. And the character’s name is a dead giveaway.

Speaking of names, who would name a town Dead Eyes?

Lindsay Gerro, in her full-length film debut, plays the abused moonshiner’s daughter who Ringo falls for.

Directed by:
Brett Kelly

Cast:
Lawrence Evenchick … Bat Masterson
Mike Tarp … Johnny Ringo
Lindsay Gerro … Daisy
Brennan Marin … Deputy Shifty Mullins
Ron Tarrant … Mayor Swift
Geoff Williams … Pinkerton agent
Julien Masterson … Pinkerton agent
Mac Dale … Sam, the bartender
Peter Whittaker … Dead Eyes Sheriff Charlie Maxwell
Michael Pare … Sheriff Atherton
Ray Besharah … Pinkerton Banning

Runtime: 84 min.

Memorable lines:

Poker player: “What brings you to Dead Eyes?”
Johnny Ringo: “My horse.”

Bat Masterson: “I’ve been chasing Johnny Ringo for over a year, and all I’ve got to show for it is saddle burn. Well, that changes now. Right now.”

Johnny Ringo to Bat Masterson: “What happened to your guts? What happened to your grit?”

Bat Masterson: “A criminal in fancy dress is still a criminal.”

Deputy Mullins: “Why ain’t you dead yet?”
Bat Masterson: “I’ve been called a polecat with nine lives. I intend to live up to it.”