In the movie Tall Stranger, Joel McCrea portrays a character named Ned Bannon who is a civil war veteran traveling through Montana. He is a man with a mission, to find his wife who was kidnapped by the Indians. Throughout the movie, Ned Bannon meets a cast of characters who try to help him on his quest. One of the characters he meets is Ellen, played by Virginia Mayo. She is a young widow who is running a small ranch. Ellen also has a son named Chip who is eager to help Ned find his wife. Ellen is tough and independent, but also very vulnerable after losing her husband.
As Ned and Ellen work together, they grow closer to each other. As the relationship between the two of them develops, it is clear that they have feelings for each other. However, both characters must grapple with their own personal struggles and doubts about how they feel.
Meanwhile, the villain of the story is a cattle baron named Reece Duncan, who is played by John Russell. Reece is a wealthy and powerful man who wants to control the entire Montana territory. He is bitter and angry after losing his son in a gunfight. Duncan will do anything to keep the land he has accumulated, even if it means starting a war with the Indians.
Ned and Ellen's friendship is put to the test when Duncan's men attack Ellen's ranch in an attempt to drive her out of the area. This attack results in a violent encounter that escalates the tension between Ned and Duncan.
Tall Stranger is a beautifully shot Western film that captures the essence of the genre. The landscapes are gorgeous, and the cinematography is top-notch. The actors all give solid performances, especially Joel McCrea and Virginia Mayo. The chemistry between the two of them is palpable and adds an extra layer to an already engaging story.
One of the standout features of Tall Stranger is the attention to detail paid to the historical events and customs of the era. From the costumes to the weapons, everything is accurately portrayed, which adds to the authenticity of the movie.
The film is also notable for its nuanced portrayal of the Native American population. While the Indians are portrayed as the "bad guys" at the beginning of the movie, their motivations and context are explored later on in the film. This helps to contextualize the violence and animosity between the Indians and settlers in Montana at the time.
Overall, Tall Stranger is a gripping tale with great performances by its leading stars. Whether you're a fan of Westerns or not, this movie is definitely worth a watch. The themes of family, loyalty, and redemption are universal and make this movie one that will stick with viewers long after the credits roll.