From Hell to Texas 1958

Hunter Boyd, R.G. Armstrong is a ruthless cattle baron who orders his riders to capture a former ranch-hand, Tod Lohman, suspected of murdering one of his sons, Shorty. Otis Boyd, Ken Scott, the victim’s brother, triggers a stampede to facilitate Lohman’s capture, but Tod evades by driving the herd in the opposite direction. Later, Tod gets the drop on Tom Boyd, Dennis Hopper who has been trailing him. Tod insists he did not kill Shorty, and explains what did happen. Tod tells Tom to relay the truth to his family and sends him on his way. On foot, Tod collapses near a river bank. He is found by rancher Amos Bradley, Chill Wills, and his daughter Juanita, Diane Varsi, who provide food and shelter. Juanita takes a liking to Tod, who is searching for his missing father; he was raised by his mother, who instilled in him biblical principles and lessons.

Hunter Boyd and his men come upon Tod and the Bradleys. In gratitude for not shooting Tom and Tom’s killing Tod’s horse, Boyd permits Tod a horse and a four-hour head start, then resumes the chase. Tod rides into the town of Socorro, where he discovers that his father has died. He visits Amos Bradley’s ranch. While there, Nita and he fall in love. He knows he must keep running, but hopes to return permanently. Hunter Boyd, Tom, and a member of the posse confront Bradley and wound the old man when he will not let them search his home for Tod. This proves the last straw for Tod, who aborts his plan to flee and takes on the Boyds in town. During the gunfight, as ordered by his father, Tom shoots a chandelier in an attempt to douse the lighting. Tom is engulfed by the resulting flames. Tod’s instincts take over and he saves Tom’s life. An appreciative Hunter Boyd thus calls off the vendetta.