Meg Peifer

Watching real Western stars, Gregory Peck, Chuck Connors and Charlton Heston (in a supporting role); plus Jean Simmons and Carol Baker creates a riveting story. Add in wild scenery and the delicious score and you have an epic, watchable saga. Burl Ives won the Oscar for his role as Mr Hennessy, the ‘wronged’ landowner disparaged by Charles Bickford as the supercilious Major Henry Terrell. Strong, raw characters in a tale of pride and shame and strong values. Given a choice, watch this, you won’t be sorry.

Some funny scenes. Seeing cameos of Hollywood actors helped me watch more closely. Maybe someone younger (I’m 72) would appreciate the ‘story’ more than I did.