Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Dale Robertson | ... |
Judge Clem Rogers
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Yvonne De Carlo | ... |
Ellie Irish
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William Bendix | ... |
Sheriff Ed Tanner
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Lon Chaney Jr. | ... |
Tiny
(as Lon Chaney)
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Bruce Cabot | ... |
Joe Rile
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Barton MacLane | ... |
Big Tom Stone
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John Agar | ... |
Pete Stone
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Richard Arlen | ... |
Ben the Bartender
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Jody McCrea | ... |
George Stapleton
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Kent Taylor | ... |
Attorney Rand McDonald
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Bill Williams | ... |
Silas Miller
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Rod Lauren | ... |
Deputy Tim Ludlow
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George Chandler | ... |
Martin
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Don 'Red' Barry | ... |
Red
(as Donald Barry)
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Romo Vincent | ... |
Doc Samuels
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Clem Rogers, known as "the Hanging Judge" has come to Stone Junction, Kansas in 1889 to preside over the murder trial of Pete Stone, son of town ruler "Big Tom" Stone. Things are made more difficult when Rogers learns that Joe Rile, the man who killed his father, is working for Stone. The latter, in an effort to discredit Rogers, has his henchmen leave the unconscious, beaten and half-dressed Ellie Irish in his hotel room. On the day of the trial the town slowly fills fills with strangers, all in black and all hired to fill the courtroom. Stone tells Rogers that everyone in the courtroom is related to someone Rogers has hanged and is armed, and defies Rogers to send his son to the gallows. Written by Les Adams <longhorn1939@suddenlink.net>
This goes down as a unique and well crafted storyline. Hats off to legendary producer A.C. Lyles who brought together a wonderful cast. They were able to bring this story home.
Clem Rogers, known as "the Hanging Judge" was played by film and television great, Dale Robertson. He is asked to come to town to try Pete Stone for Murder. Now Pete (John Agar) is the son of "Big Tom Stone (Barton MacLane), who for the most part, owns the town.
Big Tom hires the man who killed the Judges father as a tool in his pocket. If he can get Judge Rogers to react and take revenge, he will be shown as nothing more then a hypocrite.
But that's not all Big Tom has in his pocket. He also plans to set the Judge up by discrediting him. He orders one of his men to beat up the girl Rogers has taken a liking to, (Ellie) played by the wonderful Yvonne De Carlo, and leave her unconscious, and half dressed in his Hotel room.
The in's and out's of the trial will leave you on the edge of your seat. This is a wonderful Western. I highly recommend it.