Count Three And Pray (1955)

Returning home from the Civil War, a man (Van Heflin) returns to the small Southern town where he lived. He is resented by the town folk for fighting on the Union side. But during the war, he found God and has become a preacher. Based on CALICO PONY by Herb Meadow, who adapted his story for the screen and directed by George Sherman (AGAINST ALL FLAGS). This isn't a traditional western. There aren't any gunfights, no Indians, cattle rustlers or even a sheriff! The film focuses on Heflin's attempts to rebuild a church while avoiding the temptations of his previous life like women, drinking and brawling. There's a villain, of course, in this case, Raymond Burr as the town bully who controls the town with a steel fist. In her film debut, Joanne Woodward is quite appealing as a rough and tumble tomboy who reluctantly succumbs to femininity as she slowly falls in love with Heflin. I quite enjoyed it although western purists might be disappointed in the lack of action. With Allison Hayes, Philip Carey, Nancy Kulp, Richard Webb, James Griffith and Kathryn Givney.