Yuma

Yuma

Year: 1971

Runtime: 75 mins

Language: English

Director: Ted Post

WesternCrimeTV Movie

When the corrupt, down‑and‑dirty frontier town of Yuma finally welcomes a new marshal (Clint Walker), the residents must face their lawlessness. A secret plot soon emerges to undermine his authority, forcing the marshal to track down the conspirators and protect his reputation as he works to restore order.

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Timeline & Setting – Yuma (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Yuma (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th century (Old West)

The story unfolds during the frontier era, a time of westward expansion and military presence along the American Southwest. Cavalry, stagecoaches, and treaties with Native tribes shape the town's tensions. The period's rough justice and corruption create a backdrop for Harmon's pursuit of truth.

Location

Yuma, Arizona

Yuma is depicted as a frontier city anchored by an Army post and a nearby Indian reservation. It functions as a rough-and-tumble hub where law, commerce, and frontier power intersect. The town's rugged landscape and constant threat from bandits set the stage for Harmon's investigation.

🌵 Frontier town 🛡️ Army outpost

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:23

Main Characters – Yuma (1971)

Meet the key characters of Yuma (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dave Harmon (Clint Walker)

A former U.S. Army lieutenant who becomes the territory's new U.S. Marshal after his family tragedy. He pursues justice for the stagecoach robbery and murder, and relentlessly investigates despite threats from corrupt interests. He remains steadfast, using careful deduction to link the crime to boots and a nearby army post.

⚔️ Frontier justice 🧭 Investigation

Maj. Lucas (Peter Mark Richman)

A capable leader who oversees the army post in the region and becomes a key figure Harmon must navigate. He represents official authority amid frontier tensions and complex loyalties.

🛡️ Military authority

Captain White (John Kerr)

An army captain who assists in the jail break and is revealed to be part of the conspiracy with Sanders. His rank temporarily shields him as he negotiates the line between duty and corruption.

🗡️ Corrupt officer

Arch King (Morgan Woodward)

An honest cattleman who opposes the exploitation and becomes a valuable ally to Harmon in uncovering the plot against the Indians and the town.

🐂 Rancher ally

Rol King (Bing Russell)

One of the King brothers who rides into town and demands justice. His actions heighten the tension in the town as Harmon digs deeper into the brothers' crimes.

🔪 Outlaw

Nels Decker (Barry Sullivan)

A freight company baron orchestrating the scheme to defraud the Indians of cattle. He uses his influence to keep the plans hidden while the justice system is manipulated.

💰 Corruption

Sanders (Robert Phillips)

A corrupt agent of the local freight company who orchestrates the jail break and helps cover up the murder to protect the schemed deal.

💼 Corporate power

Andres (Miguel Alejandro)

A Mexican orphan boy taken in by Harmon who becomes the lone witness to the break-in, seeing the killers’ boots and providing the crucial clue that points toward the army post.

🗣️ Witness

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:23

Major Themes – Yuma (1971)

Explore the central themes of Yuma (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

Harmon's pursuit of justice drives the narrative. He insists on enforcing the law despite threats and corruption around him. The story probes what true justice looks like when institutions are compromised by a freight tycoon’s schemes. The personal tragedy that motivates Harmon deepens the commitment to rightful law.

💰 Corruption

A freight company and its agents collude to defraud Native Americans of cattle promised by treaties. The murder of a marshal becomes a tool to cover up the scheme. The plot shows how power and money corrupt both official duties and local loyalties.

🤝 Duty

Duty to protect the innocent and uphold the law binds Harmon to the investigation. He perseveres despite danger, relying on a steadfast sense of responsibility. The alliance with honest allies like Arch King and the vulnerable witness Andres demonstrates integrity resisting expediency.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:23

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Yuma Summary

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Yuma Timeline

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