Protecting himself in an attack by rustlers, Rancher Steve Holden believes he has killed one of the attackers, young Bud Mathews, who in reality has warned Holden of the rustlers' approach. Unaware that Mathews was actually killed by rustler boss Cass Barton, Holden heads out to Mathews' home town where he plans to tell the boy's family of his death but instead uncovers a plan by a local businessman to force Mathews' father out of his ranch.
Acting
George O'Brien's jawline carries the entire emotional load.
Production
Shot in six days and it shows—in the best way.
Writing
Surprisingly twisty for something barely longer than an episode of TV.
Director
David Howard
George O'Brien
Steve Holden
Virginia Vale
Molly Matthews
Slim Whitaker
Pop Norton
Howard Hickman
John Matthews
Harry Woods
Cass Barton
William Haade
Scar
Walter Miller
Sam Gorman
Kirby Grant
Bud Matthews
Spade Cooley
Fiddler (uncredited)
Billy Franey
Old Bathing Gent (uncredited)
Cactus Mack
Quitting Ranch Hand (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
George O'Brien was a WWI Marine veteran who became John Ford's go-to Western lead before John Wayne took over.
Released during Hollywood's 'B-Western factory' era when studios churned out 50+ oaters yearly for rural theaters.
US
