While trapped in a rising flood with Dandy Jim Buckley the Maverick Brothers tell
the story of why they can't return to the state they are from.
This is an odd one because you don't think of James Garner and Jack Kelly as
traditional cowboys doing cowboy business which is herding cattle. But the two
come back from the Civil War wanting $1650.00 they left with merchant Charles
Frederick on deposit. Frederick tries to stiff them, but they do eventually get
their money back.
Frederick has been trying to put together one big Ponderosa like spread and
it's the Maverick spread among others he wants. Which forces Garner and
Kelly to ally themselves with smaller ranchers like Aline Towne and Gene Nelson to get their cattle to market and quick.
The parallels between Red River and the classic Randolph Scott western The
Texans are too obvious to belabor. But one thing Frederick has done is framed
Bret and Bart for two murders and they have to clear themselves.
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. as Dandy Jim Buckley is as elegant and refined as ever. Next year he'd be in modern dress as hip private Stuart Bailey in 77 Sunset
Strip.
At least he's good company for the brothers.