Westerns starring John Wayne and Kirk Douglas approached the genre from very different directions. It's not surprising, therefore, that there's an uneasy tension behind the pair's bonhomie in this rugged comedy adventure. Yet nobody was better at directing this kind of romp than Burt Kennedy, who not only exploits the rivalry between his stars, but also gets superior supporting performances from Bruce Cabot, Keenan Wynn and Howard Keel (cunningly cast as an acerbic native American). The action might have been a little more robust, but the wagon itself (with its swivelling turret and machine gun) is a real scene-stealer.

An ex-con seeks revenge on the man who put him in prison by planning a robbery of the latter's stagecoach, which is transporting gold. He enlists the help of a partner, who could be working for his nemesis.