Story [by Stuart N. Lake] is centered on a manhunt, the search of Lin McAdam (James Stewart) for the cowardly murderer of his father. Film opens with Lin and his friend, High Spade (Millard Mitchell), riding into Dodge City in time for a 4 July celebration. Big event is a rifle match, with first prize a priceless ‘one of a 1,000’ 1873 model Winchester rifle.
Lin’s brother Dutch (Stephen McNally), however, makes off with the precious rifle.
Stewart brings real flavor and appeal to the role of Lin, in a lean, concentrated portrayal. McNally is hard and unbending as the runaway brother. Mitchell lends warmth as Stewart’s loyal henchman and friend. Shelley Winters is just sufficiently hard-bitten and cynical as the dancehall girl.
