The Man from Laramie (1955)

The Man from Laramie (1955). Director: Anthony Mann. Cast: James Stewart. In their seventh movie. It was adapted from a story of the same title by Thomas T. Flynn first published in The Saturday Evening Post in 1954, and a novel by publisher Ward Lock in 1955.

Will Lockhart, after delivering supplies ends up in trouble with the Waggomans, an influential ranching family, as he continues his search for someone selling rifles to the local Apaches after his brother was killed.. In one of my favorite scenes: Cattle baron Alec Waggomanis comes to get Will out of jail. He confides to Will that he is haunted by visions of a stranger who intends to do him harm and is losing his eyesight and can't count on his son Dave.
 Movie clip: Do you dream much?

Back to work Lockhart, believes he can collect salt for free, but Dave Waggoman accuses him of stealing and destroys every thing he owns. Lockhart returns to town, looking for Dave and ranch foreman Vic. After their fight, he goes to Alec Waggoman for payment for his loss. Alec sides with his son. Vic rides after Dave and catches him trying to sell guns to the Apaches. Vic shoots him and lets Alec believe that Lockhart was the one to shoot his son.. Lockhart takes refuge with rancher, Kate Canady. Alec wants to know for himself, if his son Dave was selling rifles to the Apaches. He is stopped by Vic, who pushes Waggoman from his horse and down a hill. Kate takes in Waggoman and tends to his wounds. Vic is worried because Waggoman is still alive and can identify him. He tries again to kill Alec but is stopped by Lockhart, who goes after Vic.Vic ends up attacked by the Apaches and is killed. Lockhart leaves town, but hints to Barbara Waggoman that some day he may return.

Another wonderful western by a man who gave some of his best performances.

Fun facts:

James Stewart starred in five classic western movies by director Anthony Mann. In all five, he plays a man who is haunted by the past. The films are famous for their use of the landscape to portray the characters' feelings.
Winchester '73 (1950)
Bend of the River (1952)
The Naked Spur (1953)
The Far Country (1954)
The Man from Laramie (1955)