The throwback

the long version

Two novels is one volume from Cherry Wilson on the American West. Montana Rides was filmed as The Saddle Buster starring Tom Keene and The Throwback was made into the film of the same name, with Buck Jones. Montana is a young fellow from the hill country in Montana Rides who hopes to become a regular with Hurn's Wild West Show. But dreams are hard won, and Montana's dream is shattered when he is thrown and injured by a particular savage wild horse. The physical injuries Montana suffers are only secondary, however, to the onset of mental anguish and fear of riding wild horses, a condition that he may never be able to overcome. Jess Trailor in The Throwback is the younger son of Ute Trailor, a cattle thief who is killed when caught rustling. Jess has never been a rustler, but prejudice in the ranching community prohibits him from getting a job on any of the ranches. He must prove that he is not a 'throwback' to his family's legacy of crime.