The carpet sweeper in the movie gives it all away. The guys are returning from
the civil war. Carpet sweeper was invented in 1876.
Like the carpet/rug sweeper, this movie just goes back and forth with flashbacks of the two main characters friendships from boys to men.
No one would ever believe Martin or Hudson, could pass for tough guys, not even just pretending to be tough.
It should have been filmed in black and white. Viewers focus more on the actors rather than the pretty scenery behind them.
Being a cowboy movie buff, I have watched this movie ten time. It's better than taking a pill.