Silver City is a 1951 American Western film directed by Byron Haskin and starring Edmond O'Brien, Yvonne De Carlo, and Barry Fitzgerald.
Silver City | |
---|---|
Newspaper advertisement | |
Directed by | Byron Haskin |
Produced by | Nat Holt |
Written by | Frank Gruber |
Based on | High Vermilion by Luke Short |
Starring | Edmond O'Brien Yvonne De Carlo Barry Fitzgerald |
Music by | Paul Sawtell |
Cinematography | Ray Rennahan |
Edited by | Elmo Billings |
Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 90 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Box office | $1 million (US rentals) |
Screenplay
When the mining office of Charlie Storrs is robbed by two bandits, his right-hand man Larkin Moffatt gives chase. Larkin catches up to the riders, but then rides off, never to return. A furious Charlie fires him and spreads the word that Larkin is not a man to be trusted. Another very interested party is Josephine Storrs, who once was Larkin's woman but has recently married Charlie instead.
In the town of Silver City, where he is not known, Larkin settles down and opens a mining assayer's office. Candace Surrency is pleased when Larkin confirms the value of the ore sample she brought him, but distressed because her dad, Dutch, is leasing the mine and has just 12 days to get while he can before mineral rights revert to the already rich and wealthy RR Jarboe.
Candace's foreman is beaten by a henchman of Jarboe's. She tries to get Larkin to work for her, but he declines. Into town ride Charlie and Jo, curious about Silver City mining opportunities. They are shocked to find Larkin there. It soon becomes clear that Jo only married Charlie for his money, not for love.
Jarboe's men sabotage the mine. Candace continues to plead for Larkin's help, but he resists. He does explain that he indeed was in on the robbery, planning it as a way to get more money for the greedy Jo, until a guilty conscious led him to leave for good, not spending the stolen loot.
In a final gunfight, Larkin is able to shoot two of Jarboe's henchmen. The only casualty is Candace's father, Dutch. As soon as the law can restore order, Larkin intends to see if he and Candace can become business partners and more.
- Edmond O'Brien as Larkin Moffatt
- Yvonne De Carlo as Candace Surrency
- Richard Arlen as Charles Storrs
- Barry Fitzgerald as R.R. Jarboe
- Gladys George as Mrs. Barber
- Kasey Rogers as Josephine Storrs
- Edgar Buchanan as Dutch Currency
- Michael Moore as Bill Taff
- John Dierkes as Arnie
The film was based on the novel High Vermillion. Film rights were bought by producer Nat Holt. The title was changed to Silver City and Edmund O'Brien was signed to star.
Yvonne de Carlo signed to play the female lead. "It's a very real, believable character," she said.