There is something almost propagandist about this western as it shows us a new nation coming to terms with the rule of law. We know right from the start that “Carnes” (Dennis Hopper) has gunned down a Mexican and that he has been duly arrested by the town’s sheriff (Patrick Wayne). Naturally, he fully expects to be freed by his friends or to be acquitted by his peers, but the newly arrived judge (Dan O’Herlihy) is not a man to be messed with or to allow his jury to be tampered with. The trial ensues uneventfully and then whilst awaiting the verdict, the townsfolk begin to polarise. Will either…
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