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Drango is a 1957 Western film directed by Hall Bartlett and starring Jeff Chandler, Joanne Dru, and Julie London. The film is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War and follows the story of Major Clint Drango (Chandler), a Union soldier who returns to his hometown in Georgia to find it destroyed and his family gone. He sets out to rebuild the town and restore law and order while facing opposition from the resentful townspeople and former Confederates.

The film opens with Drango returning to his hometown of Fort Kessler, Georgia, which has been devastated by the war. He finds the town under the control of the wealthy and corrupt Allen family, who have been profiting from arms dealing and exploiting the local people. The Allens see Drango as a threat to their power and scheme to get rid of him.

Drango is a man of integrity and determination, who believes in justice and equality. He is a former slave owner, who freed his slaves and joined the Union Army for the cause of emancipation. He comes to Fort Kessler with a plan to rebuild the town and create a new society based on tolerance and cooperation. He enlists the help of the former slave community and the few remaining Union sympathizers, including his former sweetheart, Norma (Dru).

However, Drango faces resistance from the majority of the townspeople, who are bitter and resentful after the war. They see him as a Yankee outsider, who wants to impose his values and deprive them of their rights. The Allens use their influence to stir up bigotry and violence against Drango and his allies, and he is forced to confront them in a series of confrontations and showdowns.

The film is notable for its strong performances by the three leads. Jeff Chandler, who was a popular Western actor of the time, brings a sense of dignity and authority to the character of Drango. He is a complex and conflicted figure, torn between his loyalty to the Union and his desire to reconcile with his former enemies. Joanne Dru is convincing as the strong-willed Norma, who supports Drango but also challenges him and holds him accountable. Julie London, who was primarily known as a singer, plays the seductive Kate Allen, who uses her beauty to manipulate men and advance her family's interests.

The film also features a diverse and talented supporting cast, including Donald Crisp as Judge Allen, the patriarch of the Allen family, and John Lupton as Clay Allen, his son and heir. Richard Boone, who would later gain fame in the TV series Have Gun – Will Travel, plays a vicious Confederate sniper who becomes a key antagonist for Drango.

The film's themes of reconciliation and social justice are timely and resonant, and its messages are delivered with sincerity and respect. It does not shy away from the realities of the Civil War and its aftermath, but it also shows the possibilities of healing and progress. The film's depiction of the former slave community is also notable for its sensitivity and humanity, and its portrayal of African Americans as active agents of change and empowerment.

In conclusion, Drango is a well-crafted and compelling Western film, which deserves more attention and recognition. Its relevance to contemporary issues of race, identity, and social justice makes it a valuable document of American history and culture.

Drango is a 1957 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.