This is a touching story about how atonement can truly bring peace to the people who were hurt by the person seeking forgiveness. In this case, it is not only about moving on with one's life but welcoming back without conditions the prodigal husband (Steve Cochran) after they proved how contrite they are for their sins. When wife Ann Sheridan first sees Cochran, she dropped her pail of water in Shock. If it is the shock of horror or shock of seeing someone she has never stopped loving that remains to be seen. However, even though she welcomes him home, it is under the understanding that he will stay on as a farmhand with no marital rights simply so he can get to know the children that he ran out on twelve years before.
Life in the Arizona country is pretty rough and it takes a lot of work from both Cochran and Sheridan to regain their marriage after he ran off suffering from alcoholism. Now sober, he hopes to win her back especially when he sees the two beautiful children that he now has: loving son Richard Eyer and the mute Sherry Jackson. Cochran's bravery during a tornado helps restore their marriage, but the threat of Cochran going off the wagon and taunting from the bullyish Sonny Tufts threatens to make Sheridan consider getting rid of Cochran for good.
Excellent supporting performances by veteran character actress Walter Brennan and Edgar Buchanan adds an earthiness to this terrific drama. This is Republic Studios at its finest, nearly as great as "The Quiet Man", and on par with the same year's "Friendly Persuasion" as far as storytelling, characterization, photography and absolutely perfect detail go. From the moment you hear Tony Bennett singing the opening theme song through each situation, you are absolutely involved and hoping that this couple can work out their problems. The tornado sequence is absolutely frightening. This has now been added to my list a films that deserve to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture and since that did not happen certainly worthy of rediscovery and study.
Life in the Arizona country is pretty rough and it takes a lot of work from both Cochran and Sheridan to regain their marriage after he ran off suffering from alcoholism. Now sober, he hopes to win her back especially when he sees the two beautiful children that he now has: loving son Richard Eyer and the mute Sherry Jackson. Cochran's bravery during a tornado helps restore their marriage, but the threat of Cochran going off the wagon and taunting from the bullyish Sonny Tufts threatens to make Sheridan consider getting rid of Cochran for good.
Excellent supporting performances by veteran character actress Walter Brennan and Edgar Buchanan adds an earthiness to this terrific drama. This is Republic Studios at its finest, nearly as great as "The Quiet Man", and on par with the same year's "Friendly Persuasion" as far as storytelling, characterization, photography and absolutely perfect detail go. From the moment you hear Tony Bennett singing the opening theme song through each situation, you are absolutely involved and hoping that this couple can work out their problems. The tornado sequence is absolutely frightening. This has now been added to my list a films that deserve to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture and since that did not happen certainly worthy of rediscovery and study.