Arrow In The Dust (1954)

An army deserter (Sterling Hayden) on the run figures his best chance for escape is to hook up with a wagon train headed for Oregon. He assumes the identity of a dead friend (Carleton Young), an army major and takes charge of the troopers escorting the besieged caravan which is under attack from Apaches and Pawnees. Based on the novel by L.L. Foreman and directed by Lesley Selander (FORT ALGIERS). Shot in Technicolor and wide screen, this B western is very watchable but nothing special. As the deserter redeeming himself, Hayden's strong presence is a plus and director Selander keeps the action moving but unless you're a western fan (as I am), there's really nothing for you here. Alas, the transfer I saw was not pristine. Color was faded somewhat and a night scene shot "day for night" is incorrectly shown daylight while a character mentions that it's just after midnight! With Coleen Gray, Lee Van Cleff, Tom Tully, Keith Larsen and Iron Eyes Cody.