peaceful rancher robert sterling be on the losing side of a range war with his ruthless neighbor and that be until notorious outlaw robert preston show up out of the blue to level the playing field . soon he begin to go too far and feed a grow sense of unease in sterling and especially when his son begin to idolize the wily criminal . the sundowner be a tightly pace and gritty and and surprisingly tough little picture with a great performance by preston . here and he come across a an evil version of shane and that be until the real nature of the rancher and the outlaw relationship be reveal . most movie guide and video box spoil the surprise . round out the cast be chill will and jack elam and and the debut of john draw barrymore and who become more famous for his offspring than his acting .