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Fort Defiance is a 1951 Western drama directed by John Rawlins and starring Dane Clark, Ben Johnson, and Peter Graves. The film is set in the aftermath of the Civil War and follows the story of Dr. Ben Lerner (Dane Clark), a former Union officer who returns to his hometown in Arizona to start a new life after being dishonorably discharged from the Army.

Upon his return, Ben finds that his hometown is now under the control of a ruthless rancher named Jess Wade (Victor Jory), who is intent on driving out all the settlers and taking over their land. Ben's brother, Frank (Peter Graves), is also working for Wade and does not welcome his brother's return. Tensions rise between Ben and Frank as Ben tries to protect the settlers and Frank remains loyal to Wade.

Things come to a head when Wade and his men attack the settlers, and Ben is forced to take up arms against his brother and the rancher to defend the town. He is joined in his fight by two former Confederate soldiers, Johnny Tallon (Ben Johnson) and Charlie Trent (Tracey Roberts), who have their own reasons for wanting to stop Wade.

The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and the aftermath of war. It portrays the struggles of the settlers trying to survive in a hostile environment and the conflicts that arise when different groups try to claim the same land. It also touches on the psychological effects of war, as Ben and the other characters grapple with the trauma they experienced during the Civil War and the difficulties of adapting to civilian life.

The action scenes in Fort Defiance are well-executed, with impressive stunt work and gunfights that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The film also features some stunning shots of the Arizona landscape, showcasing the rugged beauty of the American West.

Dane Clark delivers a strong performance as Ben Lerner, portraying the character's sense of duty and his internal struggles as he tries to reconcile his loyalty to his country with his desire to protect the settlers. Ben Johnson and Peter Graves also give solid performances as the two former Confederate soldiers who join Ben in his fight against Wade, creating a memorable trio of heroes.

Victor Jory is a standout as the villainous Jess Wade, portraying the character with a cold, calculating menace. Wade is a formidable opponent for Ben and the settlers, and his presence looms over the entire film as a constant threat.

Overall, Fort Defiance is a well-made Western that delivers thrilling action and compelling characters. The film's exploration of post-war trauma and the complexities of loyalty adds depth to the story, making it more than just a standard Western shoot-em-up. Fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy in this underrated gem from the early 1950s.

Fort Defiance is a 1951 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.