The Bushwackers (1952) DVD-R

Starring John Ireland, Wayne Morris, Lawrence Tierney, Dorothy Malone,
Lon Chaney Jr.
Directed by Rodney Amateau

Print: black/white
Runtime: 70 min.
Genre: western
Print Quality: B

Plot here has Confederate veteran Jeff Waring (John Ireland) arriving in
Independence, Missouri shortly after the Civil War, and intending never
again to use a gun. He finds that rancher Artemus Taylor, an arthritic
despot, and his henchies, Sam Tobin (Lawrence Tierney) and Cree (Jack
Elam), are forcing out the settlers in order to claim their land for the
incoming railroad. The plot nearly predates "The Great Train Robbery" in
age but the gritty execution and well-acted performances take it out of
the norm...way out, in a couple of instances. Brassy Myrna Dell is on hand
as Taylor's independent daughter, only slightly less meaner than her
father, and the always welcome Dorothy Malone is the pretty school marm
on the side of good. Needless to say, Ireland's passive outlook on life
changes before the end.