Thunder in the Sun (1959)

In the year 1847, a band of fifty-two French Basques, including women and children, embark on an arduous journey from Independence, Missouri to the Promised Land of California. Fleeing the aftermath of war and famine in Europe, they bring with them a collection of customs, traditions, and grapevines ready to be planted in the fertile Californian soil. Their understanding of English is rudimentary, learned haphazardly from the younger men among them. In Independence, they secure wagons, mules, and provisions, and hire Lon Bennett, a local trail master known for his expertise as much as his proclivity for women and drink. Upon discovering the limited size of the Basque caravan, Bennett insists on joining a larger wagon train for safety, but the Basques are impatient to begin their journey. Trapped by his own spendthrift habits, Bennett reluctantly assembles the small wagon train, baffled by the Basques' steadfast adherence to their old-world customs. As they traverse the great expanse of the Wild West, Bennett's attentions are increasingly focused on Gabrielle Dauphin, the striking wife of the Basque leader. Despite his relentless advances, she firmly rejects him. Tragedy strikes when an accident claims Gabrielle's husband, prompting some Basques to consider returning. Gabrielle, however, convinces them to press on, her husband's brother becoming her prospective spouse and protector as per their tradition. The journey takes a grim turn when they hit a desert. Water becomes scarce, horses perish, and their path's only water source turns out to be dry. Bennett advises they press on, while Gabrielle suggests heading towards the mountains, despite the known presence of Native Americans. After a heated disagreement resulting in a fistfight between Bennett and Gabrielle's new fiancé, Pepe, the Basques decide to follow Gabrielle's advice, and head for the mountains. Upon finding water, they are spotted by Native Americans. Anticipating an ambush, Bennett and the Basques devise a bold plan: the men will launch a surprise attack on the Native Americans to distract them from the wagon train carrying their vulnerable community members. Outnumbered but determined, the Basques ready themselves to fight for their Californian dreams, embodying the spirit of the Wild West in their drive for a better life.

Thunder in the Sun is an action movie featuring Susan Hayward and directed by Russell Rouse.

It is possible to buy Thunder in the Sun on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store and YouTube.