Oregon Trail

Escaping the law, Jim Parker arrives in a town that is controlled by Dalt Higgins and his crony judge. When he stands up to Higgins, he's made sheriff only to be shot in the back. After recovering he returns to get the man that shot him. When the gang attacks, he fights back from the newspaper office. When a stray bullet nicks the printing press plate, Jim sees that it's solid gold and it's not long before the masquerades on both sides of the law are revealed.

Directed by Thomas Carr, Oregon Trail leans on a strong ensemble — Sunset Carson, Peggy Stewart, Frank Jaquet — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about western titles of 1945.