An aging, once-respected ex-lawman hired to transport gold. He acts as the moral compass, confronting his partner Gil about stealing and protecting Elsa from assault. He upholds justice by leaving with Elsa and the gold, ultimately sacrificing his life in the final shootout while forgiving Gil.
A renowned big game hunter and author who survives a shipwreck and becomes the primary target of a sadistic hunting game on a remote island.
A doctor who stays in Oklahoma Territory after his wife dies in childbirth, rather than continuing to California. He raises his daughter Louise with help from Mrs. Fitzgerald, treats Charlie's sick child, and testifies for Charlie after Mel is killed. Though Maria loves him, he is in love with Anne.
John Jones is a New York crime reporter sent to Europe under the name Huntley Haverstock to cover the growing war crisis. He investigates Van Meer's apparent assassination, survives kidnapping attempts, falls in love with Carol Fisher, and ultimately becomes a successful war correspondent alongside her.
Bat Masterson is the central protagonist, a gambler and gunfighter who gives his Hays City saloon to Ben Townsend to settle a debt, then becomes involved in conflicts with Dave Rudabaugh and Sheriff Jim Regan. He partners with Lily, serves as county sheriff, and must choose between loyalty to the law, Lily, and Pauline Howard.
A Wells & Fargo employee whose speed and reliability earn Henry Wells’s confidence. He opens a branch in St. Louis, later establishes routes to California, and leads a gold shipment for the Union during the Civil War. His relationship with Justine Pryor is central to the story: they marry, become estranged after the shipment is betrayed, and reconcile when he learns she did not cause the bloodshed.
An aspiring inventor and Gerry's husband. After Gerry leaves, he receives charity and flies to Florida to win her back. He poses as Captain McGlue to infiltrate the Hackensacker circle, helps finance his invention through John, and eventually reconciles with Gerry amid a dual wedding.
Horse racing enthusiast and former husband of Valerie. Arrested for unpaid alimony, he schemes to have her remarry to avoid payments. After his plan is exposed, he becomes jealous of Freddie, proposes to Valerie, and ultimately reconciles with her.
A notorious outlaw seeking to leave his criminal past behind, Wes McQueen escapes jail, survives a stagecoach attack, and leads a dangerous train robbery. He outmaneuvers his gang, protects Colorado Carson, falls in love with her, and dies while trying to reach the border.
A successful Hollywood comedy director who disguises himself as a tramp to experience hardship firsthand. After seeing how comedy brings joy to prisoners and other disadvantaged people, he abandons his plan to make a grim social film and decides to continue making comedies.
Dave Nash is a ranch hand recruited by Connie Dickason to serve as her ramrod and foreman. He brings in his loyal old friend Bill Schell to help resist Frank Ivey, survives an ambush, and ultimately kills Ivey in a street showdown. Though Connie claims his loyalty, Dave rejects her and returns to Rose Leland.
Mike Ryan is an undercover agent working for the stage line who travels as an ordinary paying passenger during a robbery. After being deputized by Sheriff Tom Jones, he investigates the crimes, survives Velvet Clark's attempted strangling, tracks Clark to Gunsight Ridge, and kills him before returning to Molly Jones.
Joel McCrea has 102 screen credits in a career dating back to 1923. Their work is anchored in the Dr. Kildare Collection universe with 1 titles. Signature works include Ride the High Country, The Gunfight at Dodge City, The Oklahoman. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Related entry on Wikidata (Q436784), public domain (CC0).
