Arizona Raiders

Arizona Raiders

Year: 1965

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: William Witney

Western

Audie Murphy plays a Quantrill’s Raider who, freed with his friend Cooper, becomes an Arizona Ranger to track the gang’s remnants rumored to hide by the border, a saloon dancer’s tip. The outlaws hide at an Indian mission; Murphy and Cooper feign rejoining them, but the ringleaders expose the ruse and beat Cooper, who dies protecting Murphy’s goal.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Arizona Raiders (1965)

Trace every key event in Arizona Raiders (1965) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Postwar recruitment into Quantrill's Raiders

In 1865, after the Civil War, Quantrill's Raiders continue their violent rampage across the frontier. Clint Stewart and his friend Willie Martin, both former Confederate soldiers, join the Raiders because they cannot find steady employment. Their decision pulls them into a world of violence and shifting loyalties.

1865 American frontier
2

Texas raid and betrayal

The Raiders raid a Texas town, turning the strike into a bloody shootout. Quantrill is wounded after being betrayed by Montana Smith, who hopes to replace him. Most of the gang escapes, but Quantrill dies and Willie and Clint are shot and captured.

1865 Texas town
3

Plea that spares them from the gallows

Andrews, a Union captain, testifies on behalf of Clint and Willie, sparing them from the death sentence. A plea from Clint's younger brother Danny and the pair's distinguished war records influence the outcome. The pair are spared and their fates take a new, uneasy turn.

1865 Texas frontier
4

Montana's plan to strike Arizona

Montana convinces the gang to target Arizona for gold shipments, seeking to expand their operations beyond Texas. Brady supports Montana's bid to lead the next phase of the raid. The plan signals a shift from local skirmishes to high-stakes targets.

1865-1866 Arizona
5

Arizona Rangers formed

In 1866, Captain Andrews forms the Arizona Rangers to counter the gang's heists. He recruits Clint and Willie by staging a prison break and offering full pardons for their help. They meet with another recruit, Danny, to complete the team.

1866 Arizona
6

Infiltration and assignment

Andrews tasks Clint and Willie with re-joining the gang to uncover their next heist while posing as loyal Rangers. They infiltrate the group and begin gathering intelligence from within. The mission is complicated by Danny's presence and the risk of exposure.

1866 Arizona
7

Panau seized; Montana dies

Montana and his gang seize the town of Panau, taking Yaqui villagers hostage and killing the local priest. Martina, the chief's daughter, is taken as a slave and abused. Clint arrives and kills Montana in revenge for the suffering caused.

1866 Panau
8

Brady's ascent and the rejoin offer

Brady steps in as leader after Montana's death and invites Clint and Willie to rejoin the gang for the ultimate gold heist. Clint declines, planning to flee to Mexico rather than reenlist. Willie wavers, torn between loyalty and the Rangers' mission.

1866 Panau
9

Danny's confrontation and death

On the road, Danny confronts Clint about his loyalties, while Willie sides with Danny. Two of Brady's men mortally shoot Danny, and his dying plea convinces Clint to reconsider his path. The moment deepens Clint's resolve to change sides.

1866 Road near Panau
10

Willie’s fate sealed

Clint remains undercover as a Ranger, but Willie attempts to warn Andrews and is intercepted by Brady's men. A confrontation ends with Brady executing Willie despite Clint's pleas. The rift between Clint's loyalties and his cover grows wide.

1866 Panau outskirts
11

Gold convoy ambush and canyon pursuit

The gang ambushes a Union gold convoy and makes a hasty escape. Clint informs Andrews, and they pursue the villains into a canyon where Yaqui forces block the exit. A fierce battle follows, leaving most of the gang dead or captured.

1866 Canyon southwest of Panau
12

Final duel and Yaqui intervention

Clint tracks Brady through the canyon and defeats him in a brutal fight. Brady is taken away by the Yaqui, ending his immediate threat. The immediate violence subsides as the Yaqui presence reshapes the pursuit.

1866 Canyon
13

Aftermath and a new beginning

Clint visits Willie’s grave in Panau, mourning his friend and reflecting on the costs of their choices. Martina asks for a new priest to help teach their people to live in peace. Clint leaves Panau with Andrews as a true Arizona Ranger, seeking a steadier future.

1866 Panau

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:06

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Arizona Raiders Summary

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Arizona Raiders Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Arizona Raiders

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Arizona Raiders

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