Man in the Saddle (1951 film)

Man in the Saddle is a 1951 American Western film directed by Andre de Toth starring Randolph Scott. The screenplay is based on the 1938 novel of the same name by Ernest Haycox.

Man in the Saddle was the third of the many lucrative collaborations between its star Randolph Scott and producer Harry Joe Brown.

Plot
A farmer turns to violence when a powerful and ruthless land baron tries to take over his land. In the process he is caught between two women, the ambitious Laurie and the down-to-earth Nan.

Laurie was once Scott's girl, but she chose to marry Will Isham partly for his money. Isham develops an "Othello" complex, convinced his wife has returned to Scott; and risks his entire empire on personal vengeance. Lee Repp, one of Isham's gunsels, is captured by Owen and makes a full confession after being on the wrong end of a camp cook's knife-throwing act. Isham leads an attempt to have Repp murdered in jail, but Repp kills Isham insteadand then Repp is killed by Scott.

Laurie vows to take good care of the ranch she has inherited, minus the range war part. This leaves Owen free to pursue Nan.

Cast

 * Randolph Scott as Owen Merritt
 * Joan Leslie as Laurie Bidwell Isham
 * Ellen Drew as Nan Melotte
 * Alexander Knox as Will Isham
 * Richard Rober as Fay Dutcher
 * John Russell as Hugh Clagg
 * Alfonso Bedoya as Cultus Charley
 * Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams as Bourke Prine
 * Clem Bevans as Pay Lankershim
 * Cameron Mitchell as George Vird
 * Richard Crane as Juke Vird
 * Frank Sully as Lee Repp
 * Tennessee Ernie Ford as a Wrangler / Singer of the main title song (uncredited)