Desert Pursuit (1952)

In the rugged terrain of the American Southwest during the late 1800s, camels become unlikely tools of transport, brought from exotic Middle Eastern terrains, along with their native handlers. This unlikely fusion of the East and West sets the stage for Desert Pursuit, a distinctly American Western tale with an unexpected twist. Ford Smith, a lucky prospector, strikes gold in the heat-soaked Nevada desert. With his newfound wealth, he plans to leave the arid landscapes of Nevada for the promise of a better life in California. During a stop in Carson City, he crosses paths with Mary, a former blackjack dealer, out of work and luck. Joining forces, she plays the role of his wife as they embark on a perilous journey to California, with fortunes in tow. But their journey is far from peaceful. Lurking in the shadows are three Middle Eastern men, Hassan, Kafan, and Ghazili. Misidentified as villains due to their foreign origins, they persistently trail Ford and Mary, hoping to claim the gold for themselves. Through wits and determination, Ford and Mary manage to stay a step ahead, finally seeking refuge with a community of California Mission Indians during a sacred Christmas Eve ritual. The Arabs' arrival sparks awe among the Indians, who mistake them for the biblical Three Wise Men reincarnated. Seizing the opportunity, the Arabs demand Ford's gold as a divine offering. However, Ford outsmarts them, offering a portion of his gold to the elderly Indian leading the ceremony instead. Touched, the Indian assigns a bodyguard to ensure Ford and Mary's safe passage. The following day, the persistent Arabs make a final attempt to claim Ford's fortune. However, in a tense confrontation, they meet their end. When Ford and Mary finally arrive in California, they decide to make their initial pretense a reality, planning to legally marry, marking the end of their desert pursuit with a new beginning.

Desert Pursuit is a western movie featuring Wayne Morris and directed by George Blair.

Desert Pursuit is currently streaming on fuboTV.