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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Yuma 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 – Yuma (1971)

Trace every key event in Yuma (1971) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Harmon arrives in Yuma as the new U.S. Marshal

Dave Harmon arrives in Yuma as the territory's new U.S. Marshal, tasked with enforcing law near the army post and pursuing criminals who wear army uniforms. His motivation is fueled by the murder of his son and the rape of his wife, driving him to operate outside the conventional system if needed. He begins posting himself near military installations to conduct his own investigation into frontier crime.

Arrival Yuma, Territory
2

First day clash with the King brothers

On his first day, Harmon encounters two drunken King brothers who hijack a stagecoach outside town. He arrests one for theft and forces the other to draw his gun in the town saloon, where Harmon shoots him in self-defense. The encounter establishes Harmon's willingness to take decisive action when challenged.

Day 1 Yuma town
3

Nighttime jail break orchestrated by Sanders begins

That night, Sanders, a corrupt freight-company agent, orchestrates a jail break to free the other King brother and pressure the third to act against Harmon. The plan shows the reach of local corruption and the lengths to which the conspirators will go.

Night Jail, Yuma
4

Second King brother shot during the jail break

During the break-in, the second King brother is shot in the back with a gun from Harmon's own office. The murder is meant to eliminate a key witness and push the plan toward confrontation with Harmon's target. The act reveals the gun's origin and ties the crime to Harmon's authority.

Night Jail, Yuma
5

Captain White and Sanders linked to the plot

Captain White, Major Lucas's subordinate, assists in the break-in and the broader crime. Sanders and the Captain are part of a scheme to defraud Indians of cattle they are owed under treaty. The conspiracy binds military figures and local power to exploit frontier resources.

Night to early morning Town and army post vicinity
6

Andres, the witness, sees the boot clue

Andres, the Mexican orphan Harmon has taken in, wakes during the break-in and glances at the fleeing gunmen. He can only identify the boots, notably U.S. Cavalry boots attributed to Captain White. The clue gives Harmon a concrete lead toward the army post.

Night Jail, Yuma
7

Third King brother arrives demanding justice

The third King brother rides into town, demanding that Harmon locate the killer within a set time. He warns that if Harmon fails, vengeance will be taken by force. The arrival heightens the stakes of Harmon's investigation.

Following the jail break Yuma town
8

Lead takes Harmon to the army post

With the boot clue, Harmon travels to the nearby army post to press officers for information and scrutinize Captain White’s movements. The military setting expands the conflict and reveals possible collusion with the freight company. Harmon's pursuit broadens from civilian crime to uncovering a military conspiracy.

Soon after Night Nearby army post
9

Uncovering a broader conspiracy against the Indians

Harmon uncovers a conspiracy to withhold cattle from the Indians, violating treaty obligations and threatening their survival. Sanders and Captain White appear to profit from keeping the cattle out of Indian hands while masking their fraud. The discovery ties the town’s crime to frontier politics and Native affairs.

Investigation progress Army post and reservation vicinity
10

Indians threaten revolt but ally with Harmon

The Indians threaten revolt as their food supply is jeopardized, but they eventually ally with Harmon, aiding his investigation against the corrupt cabal. Their involvement shows the fragile balance between settlers, the Army, and tribal communities. The alliance strengthens Harmon's efforts to secure justice.

Mid-late film Reservation vicinity
11

Harmon stays focused on duty amid danger

Harmon remains steadfast in his duties, continuing to pursue the killer and expose the conspiracy despite danger and personal trauma. He navigates political pressure and physical threats while keeping his focus on due process. The timeline emphasizes his resolve to see justice done.

Ongoing Yuma and posts
12

Climax approaches: Harmon's pursuit continues

The timeline builds toward a climactic confrontation as Harmon's investigation narrows toward the murderer and the corrupt network. His commitment to duty pits him against powerful interests and a vengeful third King brother. The story edges toward decisive action that will define the frontier’s future.

Climax Yuma area

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:08

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Yuma

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

Yuma Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Yuma, 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.

Yuma Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Yuma

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Yuma. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Yuma

More About Yuma

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Yuma: 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 Yuma

Similar Movies to Yuma

Discover movies like Yuma 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.