Watch Fort Dobbs

Fort Dobbs is a 1958 western film directed by Gordon Douglas which stars Clint Walker, Virginia Mayo, and Brian Keith. Set in post-Civil War Texas, the film tells the story of a former Confederate soldier named Gar Davis (played by Clint Walker), who finds himself thrust into danger as he tries to protect a woman and her son from a gang of outlaws.

The story begins with Gar Davis traveling through the countryside with plans to settle in Mexico. Along the way, he meets a woman named Celia Gray (played by Virginia Mayo) and her young son Chad (played by Richard Eyer), who have just witnessed the murder of Celia's husband. Gar agrees to accompany them to the nearest town, Fort Dobbs, where they can find safety.

Unfortunately, once they arrive in Fort Dobbs, they discover that the town is on the brink of being attacked by a band of outlaws led by a man named Clett (played by Brian Keith). Celia's husband had been the only man in town who knew how to use a Gatling gun, which would have been the town's best defense against the outlaws. With him gone, Fort Dobbs is defenseless.

In a desperate attempt to save the town, Gar and a handful of other men set out to retrieve the Gatling gun from where it is stored in a nearby Indian camp. However, their mission is complicated by the fact that Gar is being pursued by a group of men who believe he has stolen gold from them. Gar must navigate the dangers of the Texas wilderness while also trying to protect Celia and Chad from harm.

Fort Dobbs is a classic western film that focuses on themes of loyalty, bravery, and the importance of community in times of crisis. Despite its relatively simple plot, the film is notable for its excellent performances, particularly from Clint Walker in the lead role. Walker's imposing physical presence and quiet intensity make him a compelling protagonist, and his chemistry with Mayo and Eyer is strong enough to carry the emotional weight of the story.

The film's action scenes are also well-executed, with several tense shootouts and a thrilling final act that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. The use of the Gatling gun as a plot device adds an element of historical interest to the film, as it was a new weapon at the time the film is set and was not yet widely known.

Overall, Fort Dobbs is a solid example of the classic western genre, with strong performances, exciting action, and a satisfying conclusion. Although it may not be as well-known as some other films from the era, it is definitely worth watching for fans of the genre or anyone interested in a good old-fashioned adventure story.

Fort Dobbs is a 1958 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.