Storyline

Plot here has Confederate veteran Jeff Waring arriving in Independence, Missouri shortly after the Civil War, and intending never again to use a gun. He finds that rancher Artemus Taylor, an arthritic despot, and his henchies, Sam Tobin and Cree, are forcing out the settlers in order to claim their land for the incoming railroad. The plot nearly predates "The Great Train Robbery" in age, but the gritty execution, and well-acted performances, take it out of the norm, way out, in a couple of instances. Brassy Myrna Dell is on hand as Taylor's independent daughter, only slightly less meaner than her father, and the always welcome Dorothy Malone is the pretty school marm on the side of good. Ireland's passive outlook on life changes before the end.—Les Adams

Plot Keywords

veteran, rancher, pacifist, publisher, settler, thug, suspenseful, intricate, powerful, small town, missouri, jail, office, ranch, civil war reconstruction, pacifism, murder, journalism, intimidation, moral dilemma, underdog, sacrifice, 1860s

Short Review

Similar insofar as one important element to Destry Rides Again, this story concerns an ex-soldier who vows to never use his guns again, telegraphing where the story will go next. Then it throws in the western standard of poor homesteaders up against some rich tyrannical rancher (Lon Chaney, strangely playing all of his scenes from a chair), and includes a little about a crusading newspaperman daring to tell the truth about the explosion in the number of murders of late for spice. The piece is oddly written, unwieldy dialogue abounds, but contains interesting bits like the rancher's daughter (Myrna Dell, good here and playing for keeps) having a bit of a sadistic side and leading the hired guns to burn the poor homesteaders out. Not one to look for, but rather an interesting curio.

Trailer

Streaming Service

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