This hard-hitting, but overly-plotted Western was a labour of love for star John Wayne, who tried unsuccessfully to persuade John Ford to direct. It was written by Paul Fix, a personal friend of the Duke, and a frequent acting co-star (he also has a bit part here). Wayne starts out in the film as a virtual misogynist, but is tamed by frisky Ella Raines, who not only shoots at him but also flings a knife in his direction. There's sterling support from perennial Western sidekick George 'Gabby' Hayes, as a stagecoach driver, complete with trademark wheeze. Although not a film to compare with the lofty heights of Wayne's earlier Stagecoach and The Long Voyage Home, it still made a very healthy $4million profit.

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