King of the Pecos

Year: 1936

Runtime: 54 mins

Language: English

Director: Joseph Kane

WesternAction

Law and Order arrives in the Lone Star State as profiteer Alexander Stiles claims a million acres of range in the Pecos River country. Rancher Claybor opposes him, having already secured the water‑rich Sweetwater area as his own, setting the stage for a clash over land, water rights and justice.

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King of the Pecos (1936) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of King of the Pecos (1936), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Mr. Clayborn [John Wayne] and Mrs. Clayborn [Mary MacLaren] refuse to sell their land to Alexander Stiles. They are subsequently murdered by Stiles’ henchmen, who also beat their son John [Bradley Metcalfe]. John goes to live with his grandfather.

Ten years later, John is about to take his bar exam but he remembers what happened to his parents.

Alexander Stiles [Cy Kendall] has been gouging the ranchers for the cost of water and paying them a pittance for their cattle. John changes his last name to Clay and agrees to represent the ranchers in court.

The judge rules that Stiles has only claim to one of the many water rights and that the rest are in public domain. Stiles sends his men to file by proxy to get all the water rights. John and the ranchers also rush to the filing office.

Stiles tells his men to wear white armbands so they won’t be shot. John is aware of Stiles’ plan and has the ranchers wear the same armbands.

John catches up to Belle Jackson [Muriel Evans] and gives her his armband. He is subsequently shot in the arm but manages to escape with the help of one of the ranchers. Belle returns to John and apologizes.

It’s announced that the cattle are worth $20 a head in Abiline, Kansas. The ranchers decide to take their cattle to Abiline. Stiles steals cattle from some of the ranchers and kills those who protest.

John accompanies the remaining ranchers to Abilene. They must pass through Sweetwater to get water. John captures one of Stiles’ men and tells him to advise Stiles to meet him at the Sweetwater gate. John tells Stiles he knows he got the Sweetwater land by killing his parents. John tells him he will stand trial for murder.

A gunfight ensues between the ranchers and Stiles’ men. John starts a fire with brush and throws it at the cabin. Stiles’ men vacate the cabin, with John and the ranchers chasing them.

John confronts Ash [Jack Rube Clifford]. They draw on each other and John is faster.

John and Belle marry, with all the ranchers in attendance.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 11:37

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