Kentucky Rifle

Traveling across the plains with a westbound wagon train, Jason Clay and his partner Tobias Taylor choose to stay behind when the massive Conestoga holding their stock of fine Kentucky rifles breaks down. Seven other pioneers - including Amy Connors, who's having second thoughts about her engagement to chronic malcontent Dan Foster - remain while they make the necessary repairs. The stragglers find themselves deep in Indian territory surrounded by hostile warriors.

Westerns still enjoyed tremendous popularity in 1956, when Kentucky Rifle was released. This modest production benefits from color photography and location shooting at picturesque Vasquez Rocks, a popular site for filmmakers and now part of a state park. Lance Fuller is the leading man, although better known Chill Wills took top billing and dominates their scenes together. - Ed Hulse

• western