The story is set on post-Civil War day where some copper miners , Confederate veterans , are blackmailed by Southern towners commanded by deputy Lane Travis (Donald McCarey) and his hoodlums . The copper-miners ask marksman nonpareil named Johnny Carter ( Ray Milland ) to help them , under the consideration that he is the former Southern Colonel Desmond . When the Johnny's spectacle comes to Coppertown he falls in love with the femme fatal Lisa Roselle ( Hedy Lamarr ) , whom the miners believe is at the origin of their problems . Later on , Johnny Carter assists fellow Sourtherners who are been continuously harassed by towner rebel-haters . Southern people attempt to transport a copper shipment from Coppertown until Mesa City when are attacked and beleaguered by local deputies .
This is an acceptable Western full of action , thrills , shootouts , romance and wonderful scenarios . Ray Milland faces with decision his role as Confederate veteran disguised as stage sharpshooter and of course a gorgeous Hedy Lamarr as lovely and astute gambler . Ample and agreeable support cast as Harry Carey Jr , Mona Freeman , Frank Faylen and eternal secondary Ian Wolfe . Special mention to Hope Emerson as robust Saloon-keeper. Colorist cinematography in glimmer Technicolor by Charles Lang and atmospheric score by Daniel Amfiteatrofh who includes splendid musical background on the main titles . The picture is fine and professionally directed by John Farrow . He was a veteran writer , producer and director who made several films as hits as flops . He directed various Western as ¨Hondo¨ , ¨Ride vaquero¨ , ¨California¨ and ¨Copper canyon¨ , among others . Rating : Passable Western that will appeal to Ray Milland and Hedy Lamarr fans .
