Cattle King

1963 · Movie · 88 min. · United States

Western B Movie

In Wyoming during the 1880's, Sam Brassfield, a successful rancher who fences in his land for controlled grazing, opposes the National Cattle Trail, which would open up vast territories and eventually destroy the rich grasslands. His principal opponent is Clay Mathews, a ruthless cattle speculator who has won the support of Harry Travers, the cowardly brother of Brassfield's fiancée, Sharleen. As the situation worsens, Mathews' men cut fences, shoot one of Brassfield's ranch hands, and raid the ranch of homesteader Abe Clevenger, placing the blame on Brassfield. Clevenger tries to kill Brassfield, but he is wounded, and while recuperating at the Brassfield ranch, Clevenger learns the truth about Mathews' plans and his strong-handed tactics. Brassfield travels to Cheyenne and makes a protest to President Chester Arthur who, after paying a surprise visit to Brassfield, sides with the ranchers. Believing that Travers has also been won over, Mathews attempts to have him killed, but it is Sharleen who is fatally wounded. Supported by Clevenger and the other homesteaders, Brassfield and his men are able to defeat Mathews in a final gun battle.

Direction Tay Garnett

Cast Robert Taylor · Robert Loggia · Joan Caulfield · Robert Middleton · William Windom · Larry Gates · Malcolm Atterbury · Virginia Christine · Richard Devon · Maggie Pierce · John Mitchum · Ray Teal · Charles Sherlock · Guy Way · Kenner G. Kemp · Al Haskell