In 1863, having escaped from a rock-quarry prison in Salt Lake, six inmates led by convicted murderer Pete Black take over a small wagon train headed by preacher Jacob Karns. Tensions and hardships grow as the travelers continue to trek toward California across dry, desolate country.
Acting
John Payne's smoldering convict-with-a-conscience energy.
Cinematography
Desert landscapes that look genuinely punishing.
Director
Lewis R. Foster
John Payne
Pete Black
Dennis O'Keefe
Jacob Karns
Arleen Whelan
Rose Billings
Frank Faylen
Curly
Mary Anderson
Myra Johnson
Peter Hansen
Michael Karns
Richard Rober
Mike
Griff Barnett
Papa Emil Ludwig
Dooley Wilson
Rainbow
Arthur Hunnicutt
Pop Brennan
Ilka Grüning
Mama Ludwig
Tex Driscoll
Pappy
Paul Fierro
Ramon
Howard Negley
Mr. Brody
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Lewis R. Foster won an Oscar for writing a Preston Sturges film a decade earlier — this was his journeyman director phase.
Released during the tail end of the classic Western cycle, this B-picture reflects post-war anxiety about rehabilitation and second chances.
US
