The Proud Ones (1956)

When the first cattle trail herds arrive in a small Kansas town, the sheriff (Robert Ryan) sees the town grow greedy at the prospect of all that money. To make matters worse, an old nemesis (Robert Middleton) takes over the town saloon while the bitter son (Jeffrey Hunter) of a man the sheriff killed in a gunfight shows up. There's not much one can say about a western like this. It's pretty standard stuff, the good guys vs. the bad guys so there are a lot of gunfights. If you're a fan of westerns (as I am), this should be enough to entertain you but others may be more discerning. It helps to have Robert Ryan in the lead as he brings his own particular brand of gravitas to the film which automatically fills in for the screenwriters lack of detailed characterization. Hunter doesn't bring much to the party except his good looks and the always welcome Virginia Mayo as the romantic interest is wasted. The simple guitar underscore is by Lionel Newman. Directed by Robert D. Webb (BENEATH THE 12 MILE REEF). With Walter Brennan, Arthur O'Connell, Rodolfo Acosta and Ken Clark.