Watch The Lone Hand

The Lone Hand is a 1953 Western film that stars Joel McCrea, Barbara Hale, and Alex Nicol. The movie is set in the late 1800s in the Old West, where McCrea plays a widowed farmer named Zachary Hallock, who is raising his young son, Joshua, on his own. Hallock is a devoutly religious man who believes strongly in the power of prayer and considers himself a man of peace. Unfortunately, the savage realities of life in the West soon intrude on his peaceful existence. The movie opens with Hallock and son Joshua on their way to a new town where Hallock hopes to purchase a new parcel of land to start a wheat farm. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when a band of ruthless outlaws led by an evil man named Faron Young (played by Alex Nicol) attack Hallock's wagon and kill his son. The tragedy serves as a turning point for Hallock, who decides that he can no longer follow his strict code of pacifism. Hallock is eventually reunited with his long-lost daughter, Emmy (Barbara Hale), who has grown up to become a strong and capable woman. She is a stark contrast to her father’s pacifist beliefs, and at times even challenges him, but most of all, she is a reminder of his deceased wife. Throughout the movie, we see Hallock struggle between his moral code and the desire for revenge. He is a man of faith, but he wants justice for the murder of his son. As the movie progresses, the audience watches as he becomes more and more disillusioned with his beliefs and more determined to seek out the killers of his son. The Lone Hand is a poignant, character-driven film that is more interested in exploring its central character's moral struggles than in action-packed gunplay. Though there are certainly moments of violence and tension, director George Sherman chooses to focus on Hallock's emotional journey instead of flashy action scenes. McCrea’s performance is the backbone of the movie and he does a fantastic job of conveying Hallock's inner conflict. Barbara Hale also delivers a strong performance as Emmy, providing a strong female character for the movie. She is not merely the love interest or a damsel in distress; instead, she has her own agency and is integral to the plot. Alex Nicol’s role as Faron Young is also noteworthy. He is a classic Western villain, and he plays the part with unapologetic gusto. Young is a cold-blooded killer, which gives Hallock’s search for justice even more urgency. The movie is beautifully shot with breathtaking landscapes and impressive settings of a small American town. The cinematography by Irving Glassberg is excellent as he captures the mood of each scene perfectly. Overall, The Lone Hand is an emotionally charged Western that explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and the costs of violence. It is not a typical Western, and fans of the genre who prefer lots of action might find it slow in places. However, for those willing to take the time to invest in the characters, the movie is a rewarding experience. The Lone Hand is an excellent example of how a Western can be a thoughtful, character-driven piece of cinema.