Contrary to the opinions of some reviewers, amateur and professional, Mace Bishop (Jimmy Stewart) does not murder the hangman Ossie Grimes (Guy Raymond) in order to steal his garb and take his place.
A check of James Lee Barret's movie script clears this up, revealing a scene unfortunately cut from the film.
At the end of their seemingly convivial trailside meeting, Mace suddenly draws his gun.
Mace: "I'm afraid I'm going to have to impose a little more on your hospitality, Mr. Grimes, but I imagine a man who loves life as much as you do will get over it."
Ossie Grimes: "I don't understand."
Mace: "You don't have to. I'm taking your ropes, your horse and your clothes."
Ossie Grimes: "That don't leave me much, does it, friend?"
Mace: "It leaves you naked and afoot. There'll be a stage by here in two days. Now, let's get 'em off."
(As the camera fades into the next scene.)
...and Ossie Grimes went on to have a wonderful life as a farmhand on the cast of "Green Acres".
A check of James Lee Barret's movie script clears this up, revealing a scene unfortunately cut from the film.
At the end of their seemingly convivial trailside meeting, Mace suddenly draws his gun.
Mace: "I'm afraid I'm going to have to impose a little more on your hospitality, Mr. Grimes, but I imagine a man who loves life as much as you do will get over it."
Ossie Grimes: "I don't understand."
Mace: "You don't have to. I'm taking your ropes, your horse and your clothes."
Ossie Grimes: "That don't leave me much, does it, friend?"
Mace: "It leaves you naked and afoot. There'll be a stage by here in two days. Now, let's get 'em off."
(As the camera fades into the next scene.)
...and Ossie Grimes went on to have a wonderful life as a farmhand on the cast of "Green Acres".