Year: 1948
Runtime: 100 mins
Language: English
Director: Henry Levin
Two former soldiers return to Colorado after being discharged from the Union army at the end of the Civil War. One of them is haunted by the war, his mental state unraveling into erratic, increasingly violent behavior. When a woman enters their lives, the strain deepens, and his friend must confront both his comrade’s trauma and the dangerous love triangle in a desperate effort to save him.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Man from Colorado (1948) 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 wind‑scoured valleys of post‑Civil War Colorado, the frontier hums with the uneasy promise of peace. Towns are still stitching together order from the remnants of battle, and the wide‑open landscape holds both the raw beauty of the West and the lingering shadows of a conflict that has only just ended.
At the story’s core stands Colonel Owen Devereaux, a former Union officer now shouldering the responsibilities of civic authority, and his longtime companion Sergeant Jericho Howard, a man whose nerves are still rattled by the war’s echo. Their bond, forged in fire, now strains under the weight of unspoken doubts and a growing sense that the lines between justice and personal grievance are beginning to blur. The tone is one of simmering tension, a western drama that feels as much about inner turmoil as it does about dusty streets and rugged horizons.
Into this fragile equilibrium rides Caroline Emmet, a poised and determined woman whose arrival sparks a dangerous shift. Her presence awakens feelings long buried, turning loyalty into rivalry and forcing each man to confront the ghosts he carries. The emerging love triangle becomes a crucible for examining devotion, ambition, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect—or lose—themselves.
Alongside them moves Del Stewart, a steadfast ally torn between his friendship and an emerging moral compass. As the three navigate saloons, endless plains, and the quiet moments when the past whispers, the film paints a portrait of a world where true battles are often fought within. The mood remains grounded in stark western realism, laced with emotional undercurrents that suggest peace, like a gunfight at high noon, can be precariously brief.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:48
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Intimate stories where shared history is fractured by one friend's psychological collapse.If you liked the dynamic of loyalty and moral conflict in The Man from Colorado, explore more movies like it. This collection features similar stories where deep friendships are tested by the corrosive effects of trauma, psychological unraveling, and the heavy burden of trying to save someone from themselves.
The narrative typically follows two close friends, often bonded by a shared past experience like war. The psychological damage sustained by one begins to manifest in erratic, paranoid, or violent behavior, placing the other in an impossible position. The story charts the stable friend's escalating attempts to help, leading to a confrontation that irrevocably changes or severs their bond.
Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the emotional core of a friendship cracking under the weight of untreated trauma. They share a heavy emotional weight, a dark or tense tone, and a steady pacing that allows for a methodical exploration of character deterioration and moral conflict.
Stories of soldiers returning home, only to find the battle for their soul has just begun.For viewers seeking movies like The Man from Colorado that explore the dark side of homecoming. This list includes similar films about soldiers returning from war, haunted by trauma, whose psychological wounds lead them to betray the very justice and peace they fought to protect.
The pattern begins with a soldier's return from a brutal conflict, carrying unseen psychological wounds. They often assume a role of authority (sheriff, judge, leader) in their community. Their trauma manifests as a rigid, paranoid, or violent interpretation of justice, turning them into a tyrannical figure. The plot escalates as a former comrade or loved one is forced to confront them, culminating in a confrontation that highlights the tragic cost of war.
These films are united by the potent theme of how war trauma perverts justice and corrupts power. They share a grim, oppressive mood, a high intensity driven by moral outrage, and a bittersweet or bleak ending that acknowledges the lasting scars of conflict, both personal and societal.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Man from Colorado 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 The Man from Colorado is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Man from Colorado, 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.
Track the full timeline of The Man from Colorado with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Man from Colorado. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Man from Colorado: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like The Man from Colorado 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.
The Man from Colorado (1948) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Man from Colorado (1948) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Man from Colorado (1948) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Man from Colorado – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Dead Man's Burden (2013) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Mountain Men (1980) Complete Plot Breakdown
Colorado Territory (1949) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Man Who Cried for Revenge (1968) Story Summary & Characters
The Man from the Alamo (1953) Movie Recap & Themes
A Man Called Gannon (1968) Movie Recap & Themes
Rocky Mountain (1950) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Violent Men (1955) Movie Recap & Themes
Westbound (1959) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Man from Laramie (1955) Complete Plot Breakdown
Man with the Gun (1955) Full Summary & Key Details
The Man from Dakota (1940) Full Summary & Key Details
Red Mountain (1951) Full Movie Breakdown
Man from God’s Country (1958) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Man Who Came Back (2008) Full Movie Breakdown