Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek is a 1952 Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring George Montgomery, Karin Booth, and Jerome Courtland. The movie takes place in the titular town of Cripple Creek, a mining town situated in Colorado, where a group of gold prospectors are fighting for their claim against an evil town boss.

The movie begins with a group of miners who strike gold in a claim owned by Marshal Matt Brixton, played by George Montgomery. Brixton, who is also a miner, decides to sell his claim to the miners, but the town boss, Laneer, played by Robert J. Wilke, tries to buy it off him. Laneer owns most of the claims in Cripple Creek and wants to own this one too. Brixton refuses to sell and instead offers to partner with the miners.

The miners are grateful to Brixton and form a partnership with him. They start to work the claim, but soon find out that Laneer and his gang are sabotaging their efforts. The miners soon start to realize that they are in over their heads and are unable to fight off Laneer and his gang on their own. Brixton, who is also the town marshal, tries to stop Laneer and his gang but is unable to do so because Laneer manipulates the legal system.

Things come to a head when the miners are attacked by Laneer's gang, and one of their own is killed. The miners realize that they need to take matters into their own hands and form a vigilante group to fight off Laneer and his gang. Brixton, who is torn between his duty as a marshal and his loyalty to the miners, tries to stop them, but eventually joins their cause.

The rest of the movie follows the miners as they try to reclaim their claim from Laneer and his gang. The miners and Brixton face numerous challenges, including being ambushed, betrayed, and arrested. In the end, the miners prevail, and justice is served.

Cripple Creek is a classic Western movie that follows the standard formula of a group of brave men fighting against evil. The movie is filled with action, suspense, and drama, and the performances by the actors are solid, with Montgomery's portrayal of the conflicted marshal standing out.

The movie's setting in a mining town adds an interesting dimension to the story, with the miners' struggle for justice against a powerful and corrupt town boss. The movie also touches on themes such as greed, loyalty, and justice, which are staples of the Western genre.

Overall, Cripple Creek is a well-made Western movie that should appeal to fans of the genre. The movie is an enjoyable watch, with plenty of action, suspense, and drama to keep viewers engaged from start to finish. If you're a fan of Westerns, Cripple Creek is definitely worth a watch.