The Naked Hills (1956)

In the year 1849, the golden allure of California calls to Tracy Powell, a humble Indiana farmer. Succumbing to the siren song of gold fever, he leaves his roots behind and ventures to Stockton. There, he discards his loyal partner, Bert Killian, replacing him with the dubious Sam Wilkins, a claim jumper working for the cunning Willis Haver. Six years later, he finds himself drawn back to his Indiana homestead and his beloved Julie. They exchange vows and attempt to cultivate a peaceful farming life. Yet, on the night their son comes into the world, the gold fever seizes him once again. This time, he embarks on a quest into the hills, accompanied by the seasoned prospector, Jimmo McCann. Ten relentless years pass, with the dream of a golden fortune still eluding them, culminating in McCann's untimely death. A desolate Powell returns home bearing tales of a grand strike, but the woman he once abandoned, Julie, wants nothing to do with his tarnished dreams. Killian, his erstwhile friend, rejects his claims, while the now-banker Haver cunningly loans him money only to swindle him out of his claim. Decades pass before Powell, now a worn-out sixty-year-old, comes home again. This time, his wife and son welcome him back into their fold. Yet, the promise of gold still whispers in his ear, luring him toward another spring of relentless prospecting.

The Naked Hills is a western movie featuring David Wayne and directed by Josef Shaftel.

The Naked Hills is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex, Plex Player and The Film Detective and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video, Classix, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy The Naked Hills on Amazon Video.