Springfield Rifle (1952)

Synopsis: André de Toth's Civil War Western is a counter-espionage tale featuring Gary Cooper in the same year as his stunning turn in HIGH NOON, and at the height of his popularity as Hollywood's icon of... André de Toth's Civil War Western is a counter-espionage tale featuring Gary Cooper in the same year as his stunning turn in HIGH NOON, and at the height of his popularity as Hollywood's icon of the American West. At the U.S. (Union) Army's Fort Hedley, the 5th Cavalry is in crisis mode after raiders steal thousands of horses in transit to waiting Union cavalry units. Commanding officer Lt. Colonel Hudson (Paul Kelly) fears a Confederate spy is in their midst and tipping off the raiders. When Major Lex Kearney (Cooper) attempts another drive, the raiders strike again, but Kearney decides to retreat without a fight. Ambitious Captain Tennick (Philip Carey) accuses Kearney of cowardice and Southern sympathies, calling for Kearney's court-martial. Kearney is kicked out the army with a yellow stripe painted on his back, but for his own reasons, decides to stick around and work for local rancher, Austin McCool (David Brian). De Toth's historical tale contains surprising plot twists, a dramatic final shootout with the titular Springfield rifles, and the always-commanding presence of tall, heroic and eminently watchable Cooper. [More]

Starring: Gary Cooper, Lon Chaney, Phyllis Thaxter, David Brian

Starring: Gary Cooper, Lon Chaney, Phyllis Thaxter, David Brian, Paul Kelly, Philip Carey, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, James Millican, Martin Milner

Director: Andre De Toth

Director: Andre De Toth
Screenwriter: Charles Marquis Warren
Producer: Louis F. Edelman
Composer: Max Steiner

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