The Big Land [DVD] [1957]

Produced by Alan Ladd's own Jaguar company, The Big Land stars Ladd as Texas cattleman Morgan. As a means to expedite shipment of his stock to Missouri, Morgan convinces several Kansas farmers to build a small town as a railroad link between the Rio Grande and Kansas City. He is opposed in this by crooked cattle buyer Brog (Anthony Caruso), who realizes that any speed-up of Morgan's shipments will increase livestock prices. Surprisingly, Alan Ladd seems tired and listless throughout the proceedings; in fact, Virginia Mayo, cast as a saloon hall gal, delivers the film's liveliest performance. Still, the Ladd name brought in plenty of business, encouraging the star to stick with westerns well into the next decade.~Hal Erickson