_**Solitary people dwarfed against an arid, empty, hostile landscape**_

A leathered, weathered bounty hunter (Randolph Scott) captures his quarry (James Best) in the wilderness of east-central California intending to take him to Santa Cruz, but has to team-up with two dubious men (Pernell Roberts & James Coburn) and a lone woman (Karen Steele) at an isolated swing station to deal with Mescalero Indians. Meanwhile the young outlaw’s gang are on their trail (Lee Van Cleef, etc.).

"Ride Lonesome" (1959) is one of five Westerns from 1956-1960 written by Burt Kennedy, directed by Budd Boetticher and starring Randolph Scott. The others are: “7 Men from now,” “The Tall T,” “Buchanan Rides Alone” and “Comanche Station.” Two additional films omit writer Kennedy from the equation: "Decision at Sundown" and "Westbound." A little cult has formed around these Westerns and most are first-rate despite some not having the biggest budgets, like this one.

Similar to “The Tall T,” it was shot entirely outdoors and in the same general area. There’s a certain sad loneliness to the proceedings as the characters pursue money, justice, love, redemption or vengeance in a fallen Western world. I prefer “The Tall T,” but this one ain’t no slouch if you don’t mind the emptiness and melancholy. The ending leaves you with a good feeling.

This was Coburn’s film debut. Seven years later he’d be starring in “Our Man Flint” as the King of Cool. Interestingly, everyone in the main cast would go on to star or costar in Bonanza, except for Scott.

The film is taut at 1 hour, 13 minutes, and was shot at Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, and nearby Olancha Dunes, Olancha, California.

GRADE: B/B-