The Lone Hand (1953)
Director:
George Sherman
Writers:
Joseph Hoffman (screenplay), Irving Ravetch (story)
Stars:
Joel McCrea, Barbara Hale, Alex Nicol
Lone Hand benefits immensely from the genuine Colorado locations seen throughout. Zachary Hallock (Joel McCrea) and his son Joshua (Jimmy Hunt) set up farming in a frontier community plagued by outlaws. Vigilantes want to form a united front against the villains, but Hallock refuses to join, even after witnessing the murder of a Pinkerton detective. Instead, Hallock covertly joins the outlaws, causing anguish not only for his son but also for his new bride Sarah Jane Skaggs (Barbara Hale). The reason behind Hallock's apparently scurrilous behavior are revealed at very the end. Appearing in support in Lone Hand is future "Gunsmoke" star Jim Arness as a charming desperado.