The Outcasts of Poker Flat (1952 movie)
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The Outcasts of Poker Flat is a 1952 American western movie directed by Joseph M. Newman and based on the 1869 short story of the same name by Bert Harte. It stars Anne Baxter, Dale Robertson, Miriam Hopkins, Barbara Bates, Cameron Mitchell.
Plot
[change | change source]Outlaw Ryker commits a violent robbery in Poker Flat. He leaves the stolen money with his secret wife, Cal. Then, he goes on the run. The shocked town soon banishes its "undesirables." This group includes Cal, a gambler named John Oakhurst, a madam called The Duchess, and the town drunk, Jake.
Oakhurst leads the exiles out of town. On the trail, they meet a young man named Tom and his pregnant fiancée, Piney. A fierce snowstorm traps everyone in a mountain cabin. Their horses run away in the storm. Tom hikes back to town for help. Cal gives him some of the stolen money to hire a rescue party.
Ryker unexpectedly finds his way to the cabin. He terrorizes the stranded group and eats all their food. He beats Cal and shoots Jake over a bottle of whiskey. Meanwhile, Cal grows closer to Oakhurst. She finally admits she is married to the outlaw. Ryker then shoots The Duchess in cold blood. Oakhurst attacks Ryker and strangles him to death.
Tom eventually arrives with a rescue party. He and Piney return to Poker Flat. Oakhurst and Cal leave together for a fresh start.
