The Oklahoman is a 1957 American CinemaScope Western film starring Joel McCrea, Barbara Hale, and Brad Dexter.[1] It was also the last film of actress Esther Dale.

The Oklahoman
Directed byFrancis D. Lyon
Written byDaniel B. Ullman
Produced byWalter Mirisch
StarringJoel McCrea
Barbara Hale
Brad Dexter
CinematographyCarl E. Guthrie
Edited byGeorge White
Music byHans J. Salter
Color processColor by DeLuxe
Production
company
Allied Artists Pictures
Distributed byAllied Artists Pictures
Release date
  • May 19, 1957 (1957-05-19)
Running time
80 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

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On his way to California, a doctor, John Brighton, decides to stay in Oklahoma Territory after his wife dies in childbirth. He takes a room at the home of elderly Mrs. Fitzgerald, who helps raise his new daughter Louise.

Five years later, as he becomes acquainted with attractive widow Anne Barnes and her mother, Mrs. Waynebrook, the doctor treats the ill child of an Indian named Charlie. He also meets Charlie's teen daughter, Maria, who is so good with children that he puts Louise in her care after Mrs. Fitzgerald's death.

 
Publicity photograph of Joel McCrea and Gloria Talbott for the film

Wealthy rancher Cass Dobie and brother Mel are gobbling up land in the territory. When they determine that oil is on Charlie's property, they scheme to get it. Mel even tries to shoot Charlie, but is killed in self-defense. John testifies on Charlie's behalf.

While awaiting a legal decision on the shooting, Maria professes her love for John. The angry Cass has a confrontation with John, who prevails, after which Maria realizes that John is actually in love with Anne.

Cast

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Comic book adaptation

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References

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  1. ^ Thomas, Tony (December 1, 1991). Joel McCrea: Riding the High Country. Riverwood Press. p. 5. ISBN 978-1-880756-00-3.
  2. ^ "Dell Four Color #820". Grand Comics Database.
  3. ^ Dell Four Color #820 at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
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