Well written, well directed, well acted, well paced. This is a film made by people (Robert Aldrich, William Conrad) who care about the medium.

Powerful performances by the leads and good support makes a simple story - of a Marshall taking a prisoner back to stand trial - an excellent one.

If you like 1950s Jimmy Stewart/Anthony Mann and Randolph Scott/Budd Boetticher westerns, you'll like this one.

The overall look of a routine "B" oater serves as a mere backdrop for what in reality is a fascinating character study. The leads alternate between playing cat-and-mouse with each other and discovering disarming truths about their own characters. The supporting cast, although unknown, provide dynamic supporting performances -- check this unknown gem out, and share your thoughts with me.

Ahead of its time story relying on psychological impact of stress on a sherrif trying to take a prisoner back for trial. Little shoot-em-up, lots more dialogue.

Bill Conrad, while still Matt Dillon on the radio, plays a thoroughly different character on the big screen.

I've liked this movie since I first saw it. It really stuck to my memory.