In this impressive psychological western, Henry Fonda is on magnificent form as a former gunfighter, aching with regret for a passing age and a wasted life, whose success as a lawman means that his corrupt regime is tolerated by the locals. The gradual disintegration of Fonda's friendship with gambler Anthony Quinn is deftly handled by director Edward Dmytryk, allowing the stars' contrasting acting styles to define their characters. With Richard Widmark surprisingly restrained and glamour provided by Dorothy Malone, this deserves to be better known.

A band of murderous cowboys has imposed a reign of terror on the town of Warlock. With the sheriff humiliatingly run out of town, the residents hire the services of Clay Blaisedell as de facto town marshal. He arrives along with his friend, Tom Morgan, and sets about restoring law and order on his own terms whilst also overseeing the establishment of a gambling house and saloon.