Watch The Nevadan

The Nevadan is a 1950 Western film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring Randolph Scott, Dorothy Malone, and Forrest Tucker. The film follows the story of a former Union soldier named Andrew Barclay, played by Scott, who has become a wanted man in Nevada for a crime he did not commit. As the film opens, Barclay is on the run from a group of law enforcement officers who are hot on his trail. He manages to evade them and finds his way to the ranch of Julie Adams, played by Malone, a widow who is living with her young son. Barclay is immediately drawn to Julie's warmth and beauty and takes on the role of a handyman to earn his keep.

Barclay is still being pursued by the law, however, and when his former captain, Tom Forrester, played by Tucker, catches up with him, he is determined to bring him to justice. Forrester reveals that he knows Barclay did not commit the crime he is accused of and offers him a deal - if Barclay helps him capture a notorious outlaw, he will drop the charges against him. Barclay reluctantly agrees, and the two set out on the trail of the outlaw.

As they journey through the Nevada wilderness, Barclay and Forrester encounter a variety of obstacles and dangers, including hostile Indians, treacherous terrain, and an unexpected betrayal. Along the way, they also begin to develop a grudging respect for each other, despite their initial animosity.

Meanwhile, Julie and her son are also in danger, as a gang of outlaws led by the notorious Vance (played by Lyle Bettger) sets its sights on Julie's ranch. When Barclay and Forrester return to the ranch, they find themselves in a face-off with Vance and his gang, leading to a thrilling and action-packed conclusion.

Throughout the film, Randolph Scott delivers a strong, stoic performance as the brooding and conflicted Andrew Barclay, while Dorothy Malone brings depth and nuance to the role of Julie Adams. Forrest Tucker is also excellent as the tough-but-fair Tom Forrester, and the supporting cast, including Lyle Bettger and Frank Faylen, turn in solid performances as well.

One of the film's strengths is its emphasis on character development, as Barclay, Forrester, and Julie are all complex, multi-dimensional characters who undergo significant growth throughout the course of the story. The film also features some stunning cinematography, capturing the rugged beauty of the Nevada landscape and adding to the film's sense of epic scope.

Overall, The Nevadan is a well-crafted and entertaining Western that delivers both action and character-driven drama. It's a classic example of the genre, with strong performances, memorable characters, and a compelling story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Nevadan is a 1950 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.