Roughshod (1949)

A rancher (Robert Sterling) and his kid brother (Claude Jarman Jr., THE YEARLING) are heading back to their ranch when they hear a killer (John Ireland) has escaped from prison and is on his way to confront the rancher who is responsible for his capture. But on the way home, they stumble upon four stranded saloon girls (Gloria Grahame, Martha Hyer, Jeff Donnell, Myrna Dell) who have been kicked out of town. Directed by Mark Robson (BRIDGES AT TOKO RI), this is a rather unique western in its own way. The characters are fully fleshed out for the most part and the focus is on the shifting emotions and motives of the people involved. I quite liked it but I have to admit that I can't recall another western populated with such unlikable to annoying characters as this one with nary a decent human. Perhaps Martha Hyer but she's gotten rid of early in the movie before we get a chance to know her much. Joseph Biroc (HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE) is responsible for the nice B&W lensing while Roy Webb (NOTORIOUS) provides the suitable underscore. With Jeff Corey, Sara Haden and Sean McClory.