Ten Wanted Men

Ten Wanted Men

Year: 1955

Runtime: 80 mins

Language: English

Director: H. Bruce Humberstone

WesternWesternsWild west outlaws and gunfightsWestern frontier dramas with a touch of humorShow All…

Amid a reign of terror, a young ward turns to rival cattleman John Stewart for protection. Feeling betrayed and jealous, rancher Wick Campbell enlists ten outlaws to launch a violent bid for power, sparking a deadly struggle for control of the territory.

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Timeline & Setting – Ten Wanted Men (1955)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ten Wanted Men (1955). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th century

Set in the late 19th-century American Southwest, a period of expanding settlements, rough justice, and frontier economics. The era is marked by cattle ranching, gunfights, and vigilante-style solutions to disputes. The looming presence of outlaws and the sheriff’s authority shape the town’s response to Campbell’s oppression.

Location

Ocatilla, Arizona

Ocatilla sits in the arid Arizona frontier where ranches define the economy and social order. The town becomes a stage for cattle barons, feuds, and sudden violence as Campbell's gang asserts control. Its dusty streets and surrounding ranches frame the escalating conflict and the eventual double wedding that seals the peace.

🏜️ Frontier town 🐎 Ranching hub 🗺️ Western frontier

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:36

Main Characters – Ten Wanted Men (1955)

Meet the key characters of Ten Wanted Men (1955), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John Stewart (Randolph Scott)

John Stewart is a rancher and a protective patriarch who pushes back against Campbell’s tyranny. Practical and loyal to his family, he leads with a mix of grit and restraint, taking on danger to preserve his loved ones and the town’s future.

🏠 Family 🛡️ Loyalty ⚖️ Justice

Howie Stewart (Skip Homeier)

Howie is the Stewarts’ determined son who steps into danger after his father’s murder. He proves fearless in combat and quick to act for those he loves, despite the personal guilt that follows Adam’s death.

🧒 Youth ⚔️ Bravery 🤝 Loyalty

Corinne Michaels (Jocelyn Brando)

Corinne is a widow with a cautious heart who embodies resilience. She becomes a focal point in the community’s struggle, forming bonds that influence both romance and communal defense.

💞 Romance 🏡 Home 🛡️ Protection

Maria Segura (Donna Martell)

Maria is an attractive servant who asserts her autonomy in a volatile landscape. Her connection with Howie and her journey toward safety and partnership with him drive key choices during the siege.

💞 Romance 🏡 Home 🤝 Loyalty

Wick Campbell

An unscrupulous rancher who uses intimidation and hired gunmen to secure control of the region. His greed and violence catalyze the conflict that forces the Stewarts to fight for justice.

😈 Villain ⚡ Power 💰 Greed

Frank Scavo

Scavo leads Campbell’s thugs and escalates the violence, using dynamite and brute force to break the resistance inside the Corinne’s house.

🎯 Gunfighter ⚡ Power 🧭 Ambition

Sheriff Clyde Gibbons

The town sheriff who seeks to uphold the law, though he faces the challenges of frontier justice and political pressure from both sides of the conflict.

⚖️ Lawman 🛡️ Duty 🔎 Justice

Adam Stewart

Adam is the family patriarch whose murder sets off the central vengeance arc and deepens the Stewarts’ resolve to restore order.

👨‍👦 Father 🔥 Tragedy 🕊️ Resolve

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:36

Major Themes – Ten Wanted Men (1955)

Explore the central themes of Ten Wanted Men (1955), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The Stewarts seek to restore order in a lawless landscape, challenging Campbell’s hired gunmen and the corrupt erosion of authority. Sheriff Gibbons represents official justice, while John and Howie embody frontier retribution and accountability. The siege of the Corinne-Maria house tests whether law and order can prevail over ruthless violence.

❤️ Affection

Romance and loyalty thread through the drama: Corinne's guarded affection, Maria’s involvement with Howie, and the protective bonds within the Stewart family. The relationships motivate brave choices and risk-taking amid danger. The final double wedding signals a personal resolution alongside the town’s restoration of peace.

🗡️ Revenge

Revenge drives the plot from the murder of Adam Stewart to Campbell’s downfall. Howie’s sense of guilt and desire to avenge his father fuels the pursuit of justice through force. The escalation of violence peaks in the house siege and the river escape, culminating in retaliation that cleanses the community.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:36

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Ten Wanted Men Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ten Wanted Men, 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.

Ten Wanted Men Summary

Ten Wanted Men Timeline

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Ten Wanted Men Timeline

More About Ten Wanted Men

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