The Plunderers (1960 film)

The Plunderers
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJoseph Pevney
Written byBob Barbash
Produced byJoseph Prevney
StarringJeff Chandler
John Saxon
Dolores Hart
Narrated byJeff Chandler
CinematographyGene Polito
Edited byTom McAdoo
Music byLeonard Rosenman
Production
company
August Productions
Distributed byAllied Artists
Release date
  • November 5, 1960 (1960-11-05)
Running time
94 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Plunderers is a 1960 American Western film directed by Joseph Pevney and starring Jeff Chandler, John Saxon and Dolores Hart.[1] It was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1960.[citation needed]

Plot

Unruly cowboys Rondo, Jeb, Mule and Davy ride into town. They can't pay for their drinks, so Sheriff McCauley jails them for a night. Then they refuse to pay clerk Ellie Walters at the general store, and take rooms at Kate Miller's hotel.

The rancher Sam Christy is asked for help. He is an American Civil War hero, but has lost the use of one arm and is tired of fighting. When the cowboys beat up the saloon keeper and McCauley is killed by Jeb, however, Sam offers to do what he can. Meanwhile, the four cowboys go through the town and gather up everyone's guns, leaving the townsfolk defenseless.

Sam goes to his ranch to get his gun, but is ambushed by two of the cowboys and beaten. Ellie finds him at the ranch and tends to him and they kiss. In town, Sam gathers the men in the stable to hatch a plan. They decide to separate the cowboys and capture them one by one. Davy is upset by what's happening and wants the cowboys to leave. He decides to go on his own, but when he goes to the stable to get his horse, he is captured by Sam and the townspeople. Ellie is attacked by Rondo but she fights him off and he is captured by Sam using Davy's gun. In the stable Rondo comes at Sam with a knife and Ellie shoots him. Sam then kills Mule in a fight and shoots the fleeing Jeb. He allows the remorseful Davy to leave town.

Cast

Production

The film was made by August Productions for Allied Artists. August was a production company established by Jeff Chandler in association with writer Bob Barbash and publicist Jess Rand. Chandler described the film as "not a Western though the locale is the West."[2] John Saxon had played many Mexican parts.[3]

Filming started 12 May 1960.[4]

Release

Steve Broidy of Allied Artists was so happy with the film he requested three more movies from August, only two of which Chandler had to appear in.[2]

References

  1. ^ "The Plunderers (1960) - Joseph Pevney | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie".
  2. ^ a b Scheuer, Philip K. (October 4, 1960). "Renewal at Allied for Jeff Chandler: 'Plunderers' Pleases Studio; Star Urges Subsidy for Films". Los Angeles Times. p. A9.
  3. ^ Vagg, Stephen (July 29, 2020). "The Top Twelve Stages of Saxon". Filmink.
  4. ^ Scheuer, Philip K. (May 3, 1960). "Marsha Hunt Signs for 'Plunderers': 'Threepenny Opera' Due Here; 'Untouchables' Will Expand". Los Angeles Times. p. A13.