The Jayhawkers (1959)

Set in pre Civil War Kansas, an escaped convict (Fess Parker, OLD YELLER) is offered a pardon by the governor (Herbert Rudley) if he will cooperate in luring a notorious renegade (Jeff Chandler), who first raids the town then offers to protect it for money and power, into the arms of the law. Directed by Melvin Frank (BUONA SERA MRS. CAMPBELL), this is a fairly engrossing western. Principally because of the relationship between Chandler and Parker. Chandler is the film's villain yet he has his own moral code of ethics. He also appreciates loyalty and is intensely likable. Which makes it hard for us, the audience, to hate him and hard for Parker's character to betray him to the law. The moral ambiguity of the situation, that of becoming a "friend" to someone with the intent to deceive them and does the end justify the means, is at the heart of the film. The rousing score is by Jerome Moross (THE BIG COUNTRY). With Nicole Maurey (DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST) as the widow who provides a moral anchor for Parker, Henry Silva, Frank DeKova, Jack Kruschen, Leo Gordon and Harry Dean Stanton.