After driving a chariot in the silent version of
Ben-Hur, Tom Tyler began appearing in western features and serials. The former weight lifting champion (said to have hoisted an astonishing 760 lbs.) possessed a natural athletic strength and grace that made him a fan favorite. In 1940, he terrified audiences as the monster Kharis, in
The Mummy's Hand. A year later he reached the zenith of his popularity in the title role in
The Adventures of Captain Marvel. In addition to his starring roles in "B" movies, he appeared in major studio film productions including
Stagecoach,
Drums Along The Mohawk,
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon,
The Westerner and
Red River.
Fighting Hero (1934, B&W): Tom Hall rescues beautiful Conchita from a lynch mob by running off with the girl and fleeing for the mountains. On the road and pursued, the two fall in love. But when Tom overhears the girl brokering a deal with a notorious killer, he becomes disillusioned. He rides off after the outlaw gang vowing never to see her face again. Stars Tom Tyler, Renee Borden, Ralph Lewis, Murdock MacQuarrie, George Chesebro; Directed by Harry S. Webb.
Feud of the Trail (1937, B&W): Cattleman's Association Agent Tom Wade shoots rustler Jack Granger and realizes that he is a dead-ringer for the dead man. Wade assumes Granger's identity and attempts to infiltrate the outlaw gang. He arrives at the family ranch where he is welcomed as a long-lost son. Wade is quite taken with his new "sister" Sheila, and decides to stick around and help the Grangers battle trigger happy outlaws out to steal their land. Stars Tom Tyler, Harlene Wood, Jim Correy, Roger Williams, Slim Whitaker; Directed by Bob Hill.
