Cast a Long Shadow (1959)

A young man without surname inherits a big indebted ranch and has to prove his worthiness managing a cattle drive

Director:

Thomas Carr

Writers:

Martin Goldsmith (screenplay) (as Martin M. Goldsmith), John McGreevey (screenplay)

Stars:

Audie Murphy, Terry Moore, John Dehner

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Audie Murphy	...	Matt Brown
Terry Moore	...	Janet Calvert
John Dehner	...	Chip Donohue
James Best	...	Sam Mullen
Rita Lynn	...	Hortensia
Denver Pyle	...	Preacher Harrison
Ann Doran	...	Charlotte Calvert
Stacy Harris	...	Eph Brown (as Stacy S. Harris)
Robert Foulk	...	Hugh Rigdon
Wright King	...	Noah Pringle

Storyline

Matt Brown is a penniless drunk who gets into brawls often times. He also plays poker when he has money. During a fight over a poker game, Matt is saved by Chip Donahue, the foreman of the Keenan ranch. Chip tels Matt that old man Jake Keenan died and he left his 87,000 acre ranch and fortune to Matt. Keenan had no family other than his illegitimate son, Matt. Whilst he was alive, old man Keenan never recognized Matt as his son and also treated Matt's mother very badly. Back at the ranch in Lobos, New Mexico, Matt rekindles his relationship with his former girlfriend, Janet Calvert. They decide to marry, despite her brothers' reluctance to accept Matt and in spite of Sam Mullen's advances toward Janet. Her brothers would rather see her marry Sam Mullen than Matt. When Janet's mother gives her blessings to Matt, things calm down and a celebration starts. Meanwhile, Chip Donahue the ranch foreman, discovers bank documents in the ranch's safe. These documents show that old man Jake ...

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Plot Keywords:

cattle drive | cattle stampede | santa fe new mexico | employer employee relationship | reference to first timothy | 

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Taglines:

The roughest vengeance-trail a man ever rode !

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Genres:

Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Final film of director Thomas Carr.

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Quotes

Matt Brown: Why'd he leave it to me?
Chip Donohue: Don't dig, boy, you'll just break your shovel.

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Soundtracks

Nearer, My God, to Thee
(uncredited)
Written by Sarah Flower Adams
Performed by Denver Pyle and the church congregation

User Reviews

Typical 50's western!

Murphy was a hero in World War 2, being the most decorated soldier of the war, but as an actor he left much to be desired. Black and white should have gone the way of the arc projector lamp by the 1950's! The film does have a good cast of character actors doing they're best to pull this film out of it doldrums. Ms. Moore seems out of place in this film, lacking her usual sensuality. John Dehner is his usual best as the stern character of the film, outdoing Murphy who's supposed to be the lead. James Best is in his heyday period and shows good acting. One wonders if Murphy being a co-producer has any bearing on the quality of this flick? I would recommend it to people who like typical westerns of the B class.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 1959 (USA)

Also Known As:

Sombras del pasado

Filming Locations:

Corriganville, Ray Corrigan Ranch, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Mirisch Company, Mirisch-Murphy Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1