The Outcasts of Poker Flat (1952 film)

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The Outcasts of Poker Flat
Outcasts of Poker Flat 1952 film poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Joseph M. Newman
Screenplay by Edmund H. North
Based onThe Outcasts of Poker Flat
1868 story in The Overland Monthly
by Bret Harte
Produced by Julian Blaustein
Starring Anne Baxter
Dale Robertson
Cinematography Joseph LaShelle
Edited byWilliam Reynolds
Music by Hugo Friedhofer
Color process Black and white
Production
company
20th Century Fox
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date
  • May 16, 1952 (1952-05-16)
Running time
81 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Outcasts of Poker Flat is a 1952 American Western film directed by Joseph M. Newman and starring Anne Baxter and Dale Robertson. [1] The screenplay is based on a short story of the same name by Bret Harte. Harte's story has been brought to film at least five times, including in 1919 with Harry Carey and in 1937 with Preston Foster.

Contents

Plot

Ryker, a murderous western outlaw, leaves death and destruction behind after a robbery in Poker Flat and leaves the loot with his wife, Cal, before riding off. A while later, the shaken town decides to banish all undesirables. They include gambler John Oakhurst, saloonkeeper and madam The Duchess, and the town drunk, Jake, as well as Cal, who had been spotted with Ryker, even though no one knows they are husband and wife.

The others follow Oakhurst, not knowing what else to do. On a mountain trail they come across young Tom Dakin and his pregnant sweetheart Piney, who are headed for Poker Flat to be wed. In a snowstorm, Oakhurst leads them to a remote cabin. Their horses stampede, so Tom takes off for Poker Flat on foot to get help, given $500 of the stolen money by Cal in case he needs to pay someone to form a rescue party.

Ryker turns up, also on foot. He is shocked to find Cal, becomes suspicious and beats her, as well as bullying the others and eating all of their remaining food. He shoots Jake just for taking a bottle of whiskey. Cal develops a bond with Oakhurst and eventually reveals her situation to him. A fight begins after Ryker shoots and kills The Duchess in cold blood, and Oakhurst is able to strangle him to death. Tom arrives with the rescue party, and while he and Piney head back toward Poker Flat, Oakhurst and Cal go the other way together.

Cast

References

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