Red Sundown (1956)

When his companion (James Millican) is killed in a shoot out, a gunfighter (Rory Calhoun) keeps his promise to him that he would abandon that life and settle down to honest work. But in a new town, he finds the only job open to him is that of a deputy to the sheriff (Dean Jagger). But will he be able to live down his past? The director Jack Arnold is justifiably noted for his fine work in the sci-fi genre with films like CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN and IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE. But he also made some excellent if minor westerns, notably NO NAME ON THE BULLET, MAN IN THE SHADOW and this "B" western which while simply done, provides a strong introspection at a lifestyle without the pat summary and leaves us with an open ending. The male characters are nicely drawn especially Grant Williams who gives a finely etched portrayal of a cold blooded gunman. Alas, the women don't fare as well, more stereotypes (Martha Hyer's prim daughter, Lita Baron's hot Mexican with a past) than anything else. A definite find for western buffs. With Robert Middleton, Leo Gordon and John Doucette.