Decision at Sundown

Decision at Sundown

Year: 1957

Runtime: 78 mins

Language: English

Director: Budd Boetticher

Western

At last the search was over… A man and his partner arrive at a small Western town to kill its most powerful man because the former blames him for his wife’s death.

Decision at Sundown (1957) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Decision at Sundown (1957) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the dry heat of a frontier outpost called Sundown, the wind carries more than dust—it stirs whispers of power, ambition, and old grudges. The town is a fragile mosaic of cautious residents, a stern sheriff, and a charismatic leader whose reach extends into every tavern and homestead. Beneath the veneer of everyday routine, a quiet moral voice argues for something steadier, hinting at the uneasy balance that keeps the community from collapsing.

Bart Allison rides in with his steadfast companion Sam, both bearing the weight of a personal vendetta that has guided them across barren miles. Bart is convinced that the town’s most influential figure, Tate Kimbrough, is responsible for his wife’s tragic end, and his determination to settle the score drives every decision he makes. Their arrival stirs the already tense atmosphere, pitting the duo’s relentless purpose against the town’s reluctant acceptance of Tate’s authority.

The townsfolk, including the hopeful Lucy Summerton, the principled Dr. John Storrow, the pragmatic Morley Chase, and the ever‑watchful Sheriff Swede Hansen, each navigate their own loyalties and doubts. Their interactions hint at deeper divides, as alliances shift and the moral compass of Sundown sways between complicity and resistance. Even the enigmatic Ruby James, whose presence adds an undercurrent of intrigue, watches the unfolding standoff with guarded anticipation. In this dusty crossroads, every glance, every whispered conversation, suggests that the coming confrontation will reshape not only Bart’s quest for justice but the very fabric of the town itself.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:24

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Corrupt town showdowns like in Decision at Sundown

A lone outsider brings violent reckoning to a community ruled by lies.For viewers who liked the tense, small-town confrontation in Decision at Sundown, this list features movies where a vengeful outsider challenges a local tyrant. Discover similar Westerns and thrillers about moral corruption, power struggles, and violent vendettas in isolated communities.

tenseoppressivegrimvengefulclaustrophobiccorruptunsettledconfrontational

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist arriving in a relatively closed setting—like a small town or isolated outpost—with a clear, vengeful goal. The story unfolds as they systematically challenge the local authority, exposing the hypocrisy and fear that sustain it. The climax is a direct, often violent, confrontation that resolves the personal conflict but leaves the protagonist and the community profoundly altered, rarely with a clean victory.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here by their shared focus on a high-stakes personal conflict within a microcosm of society. They feature a tense, oppressive mood, a steady buildup to a climactic showdown, and themes of justice, corruption, and the heavy price of vengeance.

Bittersweet revenge stories like Decision at Sundown

Stories where achieving revenge brings emptiness, not peace.If you appreciated the emotionally hollow victory in Decision at Sundown, explore these movies about the futile cost of vengeance. Find similar narratives where a character's quest for retribution ends in sadness and loss, featuring heavy emotional weight and bittersweet conclusions.

bittermelancholicgrimheavysadhollowgriefmorally grey

Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a character on a single-minded path of revenge, driven by a deep personal loss. The plot is often straightforward, leading inevitably to a confrontation with the target. However, the resolution subverts the expected catharsis; instead of satisfaction, the protagonist is left with emptiness, having lost allies, their purpose, or a part of themselves, forcing them to confront the pointlessness of their quest.

Why These Movies?

This group is defined by a shared emotional arc and thematic conclusion. The movies are united by their exploration of grief, the moral and personal cost of vengeance, and their ultimately bittersweet or bleak endings where the goal is achieved but meaning is lost.

Unlock the Full Story of Decision at Sundown

Don't stop at just watching — explore Decision at Sundown in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Decision at Sundown is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Decision at Sundown Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Decision at Sundown, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Decision at Sundown Summary

Decision at Sundown Timeline

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Decision at Sundown Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Decision at Sundown

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Decision at Sundown. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Decision at Sundown

More About Decision at Sundown

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Discover movies like Decision at Sundown that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.