The Man From Bitter Ridge (1955)

Tension mounts in the town of Tomahawk during the election of a sheriff. A corrupt  charlatan (John Dehner) behind a series of stagecoach robberies is trying to win the election (by bribing the townspeople) over the current hard working honest sheriff (Trevor Bardette). Enter a stranger (Lex Barker), who has a mission. Based on the novel by William MacLeod Raine and directed by Jack Arnold (THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN). Although known for his sci-fi classics, Arnold directed some above average westerns. Most notably the underrated NO NAME ON THE BULLET (1959). This one is quite decent if unexceptional. Aided by his great cinematographer Russell Metty (ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS), Arnold doesn't quite transform a pedestrian screenplay into something special but it's a pleasing diversion that should satisfy western fans. If you're not into westerns, you might find yourself getting restless. The only problem I had was with Barker's character. He doesn't seem to use his head and places himself in dangerous situations without thinking of possible consequences. For example, when he rides out of town, we know the bad guys are going to follow him so why doesn't he? Instead, he rides right into their clutches. With Mara Corday, Stephen McNally, Warren Stevens and Ray Teal.