i be a fan of randolph scott western . while some of them be amazingly clichéd ( a be most western of this era ) and his easy delivery and style really elevate the film to classic and near classic status . while this film feature yet another example of real life western hero be exploit after their death by hollywood ( in this case and bat masterson ) and the film work well due to him as well a excellent support character . one be the always strong acting of robert ryan an excellent actor who be sadly almost forget today . the other be the ubiquitous gabby hayes who have one of his best role a the crusty and very colorful deputy . here he be more enjoyable than in his many support role for roy rogers and john wayne mostly because his part be well write and he give more to do . the plot be pretty much the plot of half the western ever make . there be some baddie who hire a bunch of thug to run roughshod over the local and it up to a do gooder ( scott ) to restore the peace and kill off the villain . however and how the plot be execute be much good than average and due to this the film be still watchable fun . just do not expect a whole lot of innovation or uniqueness unless you want to see what might just be gabby hayes best performance .