Watch Canyon Crossroads

Canyon Crossroads is a 1955 western film directed by Alfred Werker and starring Richard Basehart, Phyllis Kirk, and Stephen Elliott. Set in the wild and unforgiving terrain of the American Southwest, the film tells the story of Bart Laish, a former outlaw who has just been released from prison and is struggling to start a new life. From the very beginning, it is clear that Bart is a man haunted by his past. He is determined to leave his old life of crime behind him and make a fresh start in a small mining town called Canyon Crossroads. However, it is not long before he discovers that his past is not so easily left behind.

Bart is immediately drawn to the beautiful and independent Lucy, played by Phyllis Kirk, who is the daughter of the local mine owner. Lucy is initially standoffish towards Bart, knowing that he is an ex-convict, but as she gets to know him better, she realizes that he is a good and decent man, who is truly trying to turn his life around.

Meanwhile, tensions are brewing in the town between the miners and the mine owners, who are looking to cut costs by reducing wages and cutting corners on safety. Bart finds himself caught in the middle of this conflict, as both sides try to recruit him to their cause.

As Bart tries to navigate these treacherous waters, he is constantly hounded by his former gang, who want him to rejoin their criminal enterprise. The gang is headed by the ruthless Johnny Kendall, played with chilling intensity by Stephen Elliott, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Despite all of these obstacles, Bart is determined to make a new life for himself in Canyon Crossroads. He is aided in this quest by a small band of loyal friends, who believe in his goodness and are willing to support him through thick and thin.

As the tension in the town reaches a boiling point, Bart must confront his past head-on and make a decision about who he truly wants to be. With the help of Lucy and his friends, he discovers that he has the strength to stand up for what is right, no matter what the cost.

The film is a classic western tale of redemption and the triumph of good over evil. The rugged landscape of the American Southwest provides a stunning backdrop for the action, and the performances of the lead actors are top-notch. Richard Basehart brings a quiet intensity to the role of Bart, while Phyllis Kirk is a true standout as the strong and independent Lucy. Stephen Elliott is downright chilling as the villainous Johnny Kendall, and the supporting cast is equally excellent.

In addition to the strong performances, the film is well-directed and boasts some impressive action sequences. The scenes of Bart riding through the canyon on horseback are particularly breathtaking, and the final showdown between Bart and Johnny Kendall is a masterclass in suspense and tension.

Overall, Canyon Crossroads is an outstanding example of the classic western genre. It is a film that still holds up today, thanks to its timeless themes of honor, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Highly recommended for fans of the genre and anyone who loves a good old-fashioned tale of good vs. evil.

Canyon Crossroads is a 1956 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.