The Oklahoman (film)

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The Oklahoman
The Oklahoman 1957.jpg
Directed by Francis D. Lyon
Written by Daniel B. Ullman
Produced by Walter Mirisch
Starring Joel McCrea
Barbara Hale
Brad Dexter
Cinematography Carl E. Guthrie
Edited by George White
Music by Hans J. Salter
Color process Color by DeLuxe
Production
company
Allied Artists Pictures
Distributed by Allied Artists Pictures
Release date
  • May 19, 1957 (1957-05-19)
Running time
80 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Oklahoman is a 1957 American CinemaScope Western film starring Joel McCrea, Barbara Hale, and Brad Dexter. [1] It was also the last film of actress Esther Dale.

Contents

Plot

On his way to California, a doctor, John Brighton, decides to stay in Oklahoma Territory after his wife dies in childbirth. He takes a room at the home of elderly Mrs. Fitzgerald, who helps raise his new daughter Louise.

Five years later, as he becomes acquainted with attractive widow Anne Barnes and her mother, Mrs. Waynebrook, the doctor treats the ill child of an Indian named Charlie. He also meets Charlie's teen daughter, Maria, who is so good with children that he puts Louise in her care after Mrs. Fitzgerald's death.

Publicity photograph of Joel McCrea and Gloria Talbott for the film Joel McCrea-Gloria Talbott in The Oklahoman.JPG
Publicity photograph of Joel McCrea and Gloria Talbott for the film

Wealthy rancher Cass Dobie and brother Mel are gobbling up land in the territory. When they determine that oil is on Charlie's property, they scheme to get it. Mel even tries to shoot Charlie, but is killed in self-defense. John testifies on Charlie's behalf.

While awaiting a legal decision on the shooting, Maria professes her love for John. The angry Cass has a confrontation with John, who prevails, after which Maria realizes that John is actually in love with Anne.

Cast

Comic book adaptation

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References

  1. Thomas, Tony (December 1, 1991). Joel McCrea: Riding the High Country. Riverwood Press. p. 5. ISBN   978-1-880756-00-3.
  2. "Dell Four Color #820". Grand Comics Database.
  3. Dell Four Color #820 at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original )