The Gay Cavalier (film)

The Gay Cavalier is a 1946 American historical adventure film directed by William Nigh and starring Gilbert Roland, Helen Gilbert, and Ramsay Ames. The film is set in Spanish California in the 1840s. It centers around Joaquín Murrieta (played by Gilbert Roland), a Robin Hood-esque figure who fights against injustice perpetrated by tyrannical officials and bandits against the Mexican population. He is depicted as a swashbuckling hero who uses his charm and skill with a sword to protect the innocent. Helen Gilbert plays Elena, a love interest, while Ramsay Ames portrays a more villainous character. The film is a low-budget production and is generally considered a B-movie. It is notable for its portrayal of early California history, albeit with significant dramatic license.