Michael Anderson

The day that Katie Elder is buried, her four sons return home to Clearwater, Texas, to pay their last respects. It is a he-man story, as well as, a drama of the maternal influence of Katie Elder, her sacrifice, love and incredible valor. The hopes and aspirations for her sons is movingly communicated from beginning to conclusion.

A Union major late in the Civil War takes it upon himself to punish a band of Apaches who murdered a ranch family and fled into Mexico. Being short of troops he uses Confederate prisoners, ex-slaves and criminals to accomplish his goal.