Ride the High Country

Ride the High Country

Year: 1962

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Peckinpah

DramaWestern

A retired lawman, Steve Judd, is drawn back into service when a gold transport needs protection. He enlists the help of Gil Westrum, a performer with a complicated history, but their mission takes an unexpected turn. While escorting the gold, they encounter a young woman and her fiancé working at a mine. As they navigate the rugged landscape, the group finds themselves facing moral challenges and unforeseen consequences, blurring the lines between right and wrong.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Ride the High Country yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Ride the High Country (1962)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ride the High Country (1962). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1900s

The movie takes place in the early 20th century, a period marked by the tail end of the American frontier era. This time was characterized by westward expansion, the decline of the Wild West, and the struggle to bring order to lawless territories. It was a time of transition from frontier justice to more settled, structured communities.

Location

Coarse Gold, Oregon, Wild West

The story is set in Coarse Gold, a small mountain town in Oregon during the early 1900s. Known for its rugged landscape and gold mining activities, it reflects the rough, lawless environment of the American frontier. The town's atmosphere is marked by decadence, violence, and the struggles of settling law and morality.

🏞️ Frontier 🌄 Mountain Town 🛤️ Rural Area

Last Updated: July 28, 2025 at 06:16

Main Characters – Ride the High Country (1962)

Meet the key characters of Ride the High Country (1962), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steve Judd (Joel McCrea)

A seasoned ex-lawman, Judd is honorable, dedicated, and driven by a sense of justice. He seeks to uphold his moral principles despite the corrupt environment around him. His character embodies integrity and sacrifice, serving as a moral anchor in the story.

🧑‍✈️ Lawman 💪 Honest 👓 Wise

Westrum (Randolph Scott)

Once a lawman, Westrum has become cynical and morally ambiguous, engaging in morally questionable activities like crooked gambling. His character struggles between self-interest and respect for his departed ideals, showcasing the complexity of redemption.

🎭 Rogue 🥃 Cynical 🔥 Charismatic

Elsa (Mariette Hartley)

A young woman confined by her father, Elsa is independent-minded and courageous. Her character symbolizes innocence and hope amidst chaos, as she seeks love and freedom in a lawless environment.

👩‍🦰 Innocent 💖 Romantic 🦅 Free spirit

Last Updated: July 28, 2025 at 06:16

Major Themes – Ride the High Country (1962)

Explore the central themes of Ride the High Country (1962), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Redemption

The film explores themes of redemption and moral reconciliation. Characters like Judd and Westrum grapple with their past actions and seek to find honor through acts of integrity and sacrifice. The story underscores the possibility of personal growth even after a life of crime or disillusionment.

🔥 Conflict

The narrative centers around physical and moral conflicts, including the struggle for justice during a period of lawlessness. The characters face violence, betrayal, and dilemmas that force them to make difficult choices, highlighting the brutal reality of the frontier life.

Last Updated: July 28, 2025 at 06:16

Unlock the Full Story of Ride the High Country

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ride the High Country 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 Ride the High Country is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ride the High Country Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ride the High Country, 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.

Ride the High Country Summary

Ride the High Country Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ride the High Country with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ride the High Country Timeline

Ride the High Country Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Ride the High Country that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Ride the High Country Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Ride the High Country

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ride the High Country: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Ride the High Country

Similar Movies to Ride the High Country

Discover movies like Ride the High Country 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.