The Purple VigilantesRepublic release of Sol C. Siegel production. Directed by George Sherman. Screenplay Betty Burbridge and Oliver Drake. Camera Ernest Miller; film editor Lester Orlebeck; musical director Alberto Colombo. Completed December 23, 1937. Running time 58 minutes. East Coast Preview Committee: An undistinguished western in which mystery and suspense play a large part. A group of vigilantes is formed to rid a town of an underworld element. When their work is accomplished, a band of outlaws masquerade under the same name and continue to terrorize the citizens until outwitted by the Three Mesquiteers. Beautiful scenery and expert horsemanship add to the story enjoyment. Family. Weekly Variety, February 2, 1938: Those Three Mesquiteers are still crusading for law and order in this latest of the Republic western dualers, but are now doing it with a greater and more believable conviction. ‘The Purple Vigilantes’ is probably the best effort they have made in the series. Modeled after the Black Legion incidents, ‘Vigilantes’ provides considerable entertainment, particularly through the efforts of its trio stars. Outfit applies itself to clearing a western town of lawlessness. The job is done but not thoroughly, several have conceived the idea of masquerading in purple hooded cloaks, for their own lawless gains. When their former leader is framed to appear as the head of the lawless gang, the Three Mesquiteers take a hand. There’s a suggestion of romance between Bob Livingston and Joan Barcly but no Mesquiteer must tie himself down for life. It would upset the Mesquiteer series.
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