Face of a Fugitive

Bank robber Jim Larsen is handcuffed to a deputy on the way to prison, overpowers the deputy on the train, and escapes with his brother Danny. He assumes the name Ray Kincaid and dons a disguise to learn about Tangle Blue, blending in as a visiting inspector while moving toward his own moral code. He gradually acts as a capable, principled force within the town, navigating danger from Williams and his gang. His actions drive the plot’s balance between outlaw cunning and frontier justice.

Widowed mother of Alice, Ellen is wary of staying in Tangle Blue but is drawn to Larsen and forms a tentative romance. She seeks a safer, better life beyond the town while grappling with her feelings and responsibilities. Ellen’s bond with Larsen anchors the human stakes of the frontier conflict. Her choices reflect the tension between personal safety and new possibilities in a harsh landscape.

An earnest but inexperienced sheriff who must keep order in a volatile town. He partners with Larsen to challenge Williams’ fence operations and to defend open land, relying on unconventional methods at times. Mark’s idealism is tested as he recognizes the value of Larsen’s practical skills and leadership. He vows to testify for Larsen at the trial, illustrating a fragile but present sense of justice.

Larsen’s younger brother who helps execute their escape plan, bringing a horse to aid their flight. He dies after being wounded during the pursuit, and his death intensifies the quest against Williams. Danny’s loyalty drives the brothers’ decisions and the narrative’s emotional core. His sacrifice reinforces the frontier’s cost of survival and justice.

A hired gun for Reed Williams, Purdy represents the brutal enforcement arm of Williams’ regime. He attempts to shoot Mark and engages Larsen in the climactic confrontations, ultimately dying as the plan unravels. Purdy embodies the violence used to maintain power on the frontier. His fate underscores the consequences faced by those who stand with Williams.

A wealthy landowner whose barbed-wire fences encroach on open range, Williams embodies the economic and legal leverage opposing Larsen and Mark. He wages a campaign to maintain control through force and influence, clashing with town efforts to reclaim open land. The final showdown with Larsen reveals the high stakes of frontier power and land disputes.