This terrific Hal Wallis Paramount western contains a wonderful score from Elmer Bernstein (The Magnificent Seven) that accompanies the action as brothers John Wayne and Dean Martin (reunited after Rio Bravo), along with Earl Holliman and Michael Anderson Jr, ride out to avenge the death of their father. It's stirring stuff, beautifully photographed, with a fine supporting cast headed by Martha Hyer (she married Wallis the following year), who dignifies the movie by making a heartfelt speech about matriarchal virtue, addressed to the late Katie Elder's empty chair. Director Henry Hathaway and the Duke would team again for the Oscar-winning True Grit.

The four sons of Katie Elder reunite in their hometown of Clearwater, Texas for her funeral and discover that the family ranch is now in the hands of Morgan Hastings, a corrupt businessman who wants to exploit the area around the town.