This was a gritty western that show cases Robert Taylor well. Robert Taylor plays Ward Kinsman a prospector and Indian scout. Ward is persuaded to help the U. S. Cavalry rescue a woman who has been kidnapped by El Diabolito and his tribe during a raid in which her husband was killed.
Initially Ward is resistant to helping as he thinks it is a lost cause that will just get more soldiers and Indians killed...but after meeting her sister, Anne Duverall, he eventually warms to the idea.
Meanwhile there is a side story going on with a soldier and friend of Ward's, Lt. Linus Delaney. You see Linus is in love with a married woman who is working as a laundress in their camp and being abused by her drunk of a husband who just happens to be a lower ranking soldier. DRAMA!
Wonderful scenes shot in the desert with great rock formations and as mention this is a wonderful showcase for Robert Taylor who gets to be rugged, smart and a good friend.
The one storyline not mentioned is the superior officer, Captain Ben Lorrison, who is in love with Anne and determined to do what it takes to get her sister back...according to Linus he is a by the book soldier and Ward's other friend describes him as the kind of guy who is perfect so he doesn't understand the mistakes of others. Well, let's just say pride goes before the fall.
This was a decent western and told a good story. I highly recommend it if you are a fan of westerns or the desert.
