Roughshod (1949)

In the rough and tumble era of the Wild West, Mary Wells and her spirited dance hall companions - Elaine, Helen, and Marcia - are cast aside by the stern hand of societal reform. With dreams of a fresh start, they set their sights on the sun-drenched horizon of Sonoma, California. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when their wagon wheezes its last breath, leaving them stranded in the vast, unforgiving wilderness. Enter Clay Phillips and his younger brother Steve - two hardy wranglers driving a thundering herd of exquisite horses towards their ranch. The brothers, entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the murderous convict Lednov and his menacing henchmen, are hesitant to take on additional burdens. Nevertheless, Clay's gruff exterior cracks under Mary's pleas for help, agreeing to escort the women as far as the neighboring ranch. As the motley crew ventures onward, their paths diverge in unexpected ways. Marcia's sweetheart swoops in, whisking her away to a future of matrimonial bliss. At the Wyatt Ranch, Elaine's prodigal journey concludes in a heartfelt reunion with her parents, leaving Mary and Helen to persuade Clay to extend his chivalrous protection all the way to Sonoma. Along the dusty trail, Mary nurtures a bond with young Steve, teaching him to read under the vast, starlit sky. Their journey takes another twist when they cross paths with Fowler, a hopeful prospector. Helen, entranced by the allure of the prospecting life, decides to share his tent under the desert stars. Meanwhile, the shadow of danger looms closer as Lednov and his henchmen, hot on their trail, learn that their quarry is within their grasp. As the sun sets on the rugged landscapes, the stage is set for an inevitable, high-stakes showdown. In "Roughshod," the volatile landscape of the Wild West serves as the backdrop for a tale of resilience, unexpected alliances, and the relentless pursuit of dreams amidst danger.

Roughshod is an action movie featuring Robert Sterling and directed by Mark Robson.

Roughshod is currently streaming on TCM.