Though directed by an Englishman, Winner, in his first try at the western genre, there's more spaghetti than steak-and-kidney pie in this ferocious film. Lawman Lancaster pursues rancher Cobb and his six hired hands home after the carefree cowboys have accidentally killed an old man in a
drunken spree. Following regulations, Lancaster enlists the aid of Ryan, the local marshal, who deliberately diverts him from his quest. Doggedly doing his duty, Lancaster confronts Cobb, who tries to cut a deal, reasoning that the killing was an accident, as everyone is aware. Cobb's rambunctious
ranchhands, realizing the futility of trying to sway the fanatical Lancaster from what he regards as his mission, goad him into a gunfight in which foreman Salmi is killed. Tracking the fleeing felons, Lancaster wounds Cannon and then takes him to the nearby home of Duvall. Duvall has departed,
leaving behind his wife, North, who once was intimate with the marshal. Following a night of reminiscence, Lancaster relents, electing to lay down his guns to halt yet more mayhem. The ranchers and their neighbors stage a showdown, however, and Cobb's son Beck draws on Lancaster. When the gunsmoke
clears, bodies litter the screen, and Lancaster rides away. A humorless Greek-tragedy western with little going for it save its inexorable momentum toward the obvious end.
