How others will see it. This is a competent but conventional western, supported by a first rate cast. Those who enjoy westerns, particularly traditional westerns, are unlikely to be disappointed. Tracy is a bit more self-righteous than usual, but this is within his character. Peters has only a small supporting role, although she has the requisite poise and beauty. Wagner redeems himself admirably, as does Widmark.
How I felt about it. The heart of the film is told in flashback. We begin with Wagner released from three years of breaking rocks at the big house, and we learn his father, Tracy, is dead. Widmark tries to bribe Wagner to go away, but Wagner is as headstrong as his old man.
The rest of the film, then, lets us know how Wagner got to this point. But the opening takes away much of the suspense. We know Tracy is headed to the grave, and Wagner to prison. The production, the direction, and the script are all respectable, but there are no surprises, except perhaps when Peters spitefully eats a hot pepper. That'll show 'em!
The chemistry is palpable but low-key between Tracy and his 'Indian' wife, Katy Jurado. Jurado is said to be the daughter of a chief, a needless touch to raise her value in the mind of the viewer. Indians apparently live on Tracy's expansive ranch, where they help out as ranch hands and pretend that Tracy's an Indian too.
Widmark is the antagonist, but for most of the movie, he's more of a shrewd businessman than a bad seed. He has a point that he worked harder than the other sons, perhaps even harder than the old man. He made a personal sacrifice for the ranch, and feels that it is owed to him, particularly since he is the best of the sons at the business end of it. He offers sound advice again and again to Tracy, to have it rejected out of hand. More aggravating, the father's love is given to the noble son, Wagner.
But the change in character of Widmark into a potential killer doesn't ring true. And although he gets no shortage of screen time, Wagner's character isn't fully developed, either. He doesn't like getting imprisoned, or his father treated like King Lear by his brothers. But, considering he spent three years in jail, he doesn't have much of a plan. He doesn't even know if he should take Jean Peters (duh) who keeps throwing herself at him.
Some folks just don't know when they have it made. Perhaps Widmark was the smart one, after all.