A first rate cast lends this brisk 73 minute western a bit more weight than it perhaps deserves, but the story is engaging enough. The always reliable Sterling Hayden is fine as Rick Martin, a cowpoke with a troubled past who returns to his home town just in time to save it from the marauding gang of villain Tom Quentin (John Dehner, who is excellent). Most of the townsfolk are a cowardly lot, with only a handful of manly men (including James Milligan and Regis Toomey) willing to strap on their holster and defend the old homestead. Even worse, conniving landowner Canby Judd (William Bishop) has his beady eyes set on winning the hand of Martin's old flame Laura (Karen Booth). Add in some surprisingly adept cinematography from Lester White, and the end result is a very enjoyable second feature.
