Zachary Scott, the son of a gunslinger, doesn't want to end up like his old man or any of the other unchanged outlaws he spends his days with. So he comes up with a plan to clean up a town in trouble by registering a claim on the valley's only water supply, putting himself in the gun-sights of two rival land barons.
Based on a story by Louis L'Amour, Treasure Of Ruby Hills is one of those great little 1950's, black and white B-westerns that mixes in elements of tough-talking film-noir with the horses, hats, and six-shooters.
A smart script, with lots of twists and turns, definitely makes up for a lack of funds on the part of the producers.
Character actor Zachary Scott, who's usually cast as a heavy, is great in the lead.
There's also a small but juicy role for a young Lee Van Cleef as an ice-cold hired killer (what else?) who shot Scott's partner in the back. The final showdown between these two is short and sweet.
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