(1953) Audie Murphy, Russell Johnson, Chill Wills,
Lori Nelson, Lee Van Cleef, Roy Roberts, Lyle Talbot.
This is a tough, little western. Murphy is a scout; and while he’s away,
the wagontrain is attacked by Yaqui warriors. Shortly thereafter, as
Murphy is seen in town unharmed, he is denounced as a deserter of
the wagontrain. Additionally, Johnson — who caused the massacre — covers
his guilt by instigating a lynch mob against Murphy.
In a second ambush, Murphy “redeems” himself by saving his accusers’
lives, but Johnson lies in wait to finish him off. This film is gorgeous to
look at — the colors are lush. Nathan Juran (Law andd Order, 1953,
Drums Across the River, 1954) directs with verve…………………………