An old miner is ambushed by outlaws trying to steal the $10,000 he is carrying to start up a new mine. A passing cowboy comes to the miner's aid, but winds up getting blamed for the attack.
Acting
Harry Carey brings gravitas this budget doesn't deserve.
Writing
Tight plotting—no fat, all frontier tension.
Director
Harry L. Fraser
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Harry Carey appeared in over 250 films, mostly Westerns, and was John Wayne's mentor. This was one of his last starring roles before transitioning to character work.
Made during the Great Depression, the stolen stake money resonated with audiences who understood starting over with nothing. The 'ghost town' title works double duty as economic metaphor.
US
