Duel at Diablo

Duel at Diablo is a 1966 American Western film starring James Garner in his first Western after leaving the long-running tv series Maverick, as well as Sidney Poitier in his first ever Western. Based on Marvin H. Albert's 1957 novel Apache Rising, the film was co-written by Albert and Michael M. Grilikhes; it was directed by Ralph Nelson, who had directed Poitier in Lilies of the Field. The supporting cast includes Bibi Andersson, Bill Travers, Dennis Weaver and John Hoyt; Ralph Nelson has a cameo as an Army Major. The movie was shot on location amidst striking scenery in southern Utah; the musical score was composed by Neal Hefti. Plot A frontier scout, Jess Remsberg (James Garner), is searching for the murderer of his Comanche wife. He carries her scalp with him as a reminder of his vengeance. All he knows is that it was done by a white man. While crossing the desert he rescues Ellen Grange (Bibi Andersson) from a pursuing band of Apaches, and returns her to her businessman husband, Willard Grange (Dennis Weaver). The couple has lived apart for most of the previous two years, since Ellen Grange was kidnapped by Apaches. She had been rescued, but then voluntarily returned to the Apaches to live with the son of the chief. Jess learns from his friend, Lt. "Scotty" McAllister (Bill Travers), an experienced and ambitious army lieutenant (promoted from a sergeant) anxious for further promotion, that the town marshal at Fort Concho has information about Jess's murdered wife. Jess informs Scotty that he saw the dead tortured body of his scout. Jess agrees to act as a cavalry scout to replace Scotty's scout. Scotty has to lead an Army cavalry unit of twenty-five inexperienced soldiers taking horses, ammunition and supplies to Fort Concho. Willard and Ellen are joining them, as is horse breaker Toller (Sidney Poitier), a veteran of the 10th Cavalry (the "Buffalo Soldiers"). Toller has been contracted to provide horses to the army and will accompany the party, breaking horses on the way.