The Raiders (1952)

Set in a pre statehood California, a prospector (Richard Conte), his wife (Margaret Field, Sally's mother) and brother (William Reynolds) are fortunate enough to find a piece of land that provides enough gold that will give them a brighter future. But all that ends when hired gunmen steal the gold and kill the prospector's wife and brother. He vows vengeance. Directed by Lesley Selander (FLIGHT TO MARS), this Technicolor western is congenial enough if you don't ask too much. The movie suggests the deterioration of Conte's revenge seeker as he becomes more like the men he's hunting. As a Mexican woman whose father's land was stolen by the ruthless land baron (Morris Ankrum) responsible for all the bloodshed, Viveca Lindfors provides a voice of conscience which he ignores. There's enough action to satisfy most western fans although the deus ex machina ending is too quick and too convenient. With Hugh O'Brian, Barbara Britton, William Bishop and Richard Martin.