The Plunderers (1960 film)

The Plunderers is a 1960 American Western film directed by Joseph Pevney and starring Jeff Chandler, John Saxon and Dolores Hart. It was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1960.

Plot
Unruly cowboys Rondo, Jeb, Mule and Davy ride into town. They can't pay for their drinks, so Sheriff McCauley jails them for a night. Then they refuse to pay clerk Ellie Walters at the general store, and take rooms at Kate Miller's hotel.

The rancher Sam Christy is asked for help. He is an American Civil War hero, but has lost the use of one arm and is tired of fighting. When the cowboys beat up the saloon keeper and McCauley is killed by Jeb, however, Sam offers to do what he can.

He is ambushed by the cowboys at the ranch, beaten and his horses stolen. Ellie tends to him and they kiss. In town, Davy is upset by what's happening and wants the cowboys to leave. Ellie is attacked by Rondo, who then comes at Sam with a knife. Ellie shoots him. Sam then kills Mule in a fight and shoots the fleeing Jeb. He allows the remorseful Davy to leave town.

Cast

 * Jeff Chandler as Sam Christy
 * John Saxon as Rondo
 * Dolores Hart as Ellie Walters
 * Marsha Hunt as Kate Miller – Hotel Owner
 * Jay C. Flippen as Sheriff McCauley
 * Ray Stricklyn as Jeb Lucas Tyler
 * James Westerfield as Mike Baron – Saloon Owner
 * Dee Pollock as Davy
 * Roger Torrey as William 'Mule' Thompson
 * Vaughn Taylor as Jess Walters – General Store Owner
 * Harvey Stephens as Doc Fuller
 * Joseph Hamilton as Abilene – Barfly
 * Kenneth Patterson as 2nd Citizen (as Ken Patterson)
 * William Challee as 1st Citizen
 * Ray Ferrell as Bily Miller

Production
The film was made by August Productions for Allied Artists. August was a production company established by Jeff Chandler in association with writer Bob Barbash and publicist Jess Rand. Chandler described the film as "not a Western though the locale is the West." John Saxon had played many Mexican parts.

Filming started 12 May 1960.

Release
Steve Broidy of Allied Artists was so happy with the film he requested three more movies from August, only two of which Chandler had to appear in.