LAW OF THE TIMBER

Cinemavixion Review

Bernard B. Ray's 1941 film, "Law of the Timber," plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of the H&L Lumber Company. Set against the backdrop of a national defense order, the narrative follows the formidable Henry Lorimer and his spirited daughter "Perry" as they prepare to fell the treacherous Antler Valley tract. The arrival of the enigmatic John Gordon, an "Eastern dude" seeking work as a lumberjack, injects immediate tension into the rugged camp. As a series of escalating accidents, culminating in a mysterious forest fire that claims Henry Lorimer's life, the film ratchets up the suspense. Perry, determined to honor her father's legacy, steps into his shoes, facing not only the dangers of the wilderness but also the insidious machinations of the camp manager, Barnes, who harbors a covetous ambition for the company. The plot thickens with sabotage, accusations, and a desperate race against time as Gordon finds himself framed and targeted. The film masterfully blends elements of drama and western, offering a compelling tale of corporate intrigue, personal peril, and ultimate triumph. Despite its modest runtime, "Law of the Timber" delivers a gripping narrative, anchored by solid performances from Marjorie Reynolds, Monte Blue, and J. Farrell MacDonald, making it a noteworthy piece of early 1940s cinema.