One of the last bills signed by President Lincoln authorizes pushing the Union Pacific Railroad across the wilderness to California. But financial opportunist Asa Barrows hopes to profit from obstructing it. Chief troubleshooter Jeff Butler has his hands full fighting Barrows' agent, gambler Sid Campeau; Campeau's partner Dick Allen is Jeff's war buddy and rival suitor for engineer's daughter Molly Monahan. Who will survive the effort to push the railroad through at any cost?
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🔍 Search on JustWatch →The film doesn't rush. It trusts the viewer — gives time to inhabit the characters, understand what's really happening. Direction here serves the actors rather than overwhelming them.
This film doesn't entertain — it speaks. If you're ready for that, it'll leave a mark. If not — it'll seem slow.
A good choice for those who value subtle direction and honest performance.
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
— MovieFinder Editorial
Best Watched
Viewing atmosphere: Unhurried, on a weekday evening. Put down the phone, let the film work.
Barbara Stanwyck
Mollie Monahan
Joel McCrea
Jeff Butler
Akim Tamiroff
Fiesta
Robert Preston
Dick Allen
Lynne Overman
Leach Overmile
Brian Donlevy
Sid Campeau
Robert Barrat
Duke Ring
Anthony Quinn
Cordray
Stanley Ridges
Gen. Casement
Henry Kolker
Asa M. Barrows
Audience Score
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