Copper Canyon (1950)
A classic Technicolor Western where mistaken identity, frontier justice, and Old West romance collide in the valley of violence.
Copper Canyon - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1950
- Directed by: John Farrow
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 15, 1950 (Belgium - 14), November 15, 1950 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Copper Canyon - Plot
A group of copper miners, Southern veterans, are terrorized by local rebel-haters, led by deputy Lane Travis. The miners ask stage sharpshooter Johnny Carter to help them, under the impression that he is the legendary Colonel Desmond. It seems they're wrong; but Johnny's show comes to Coppertown and Johnny romances lovely gambler Lisa Roselle, whom the miners believe is at the center of their troubles.
Copper Canyon - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Old West come alive:
The story of the Old West's valley of violence!
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Copper Canyon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Farrow
Main Cast
- Ray Milland
- Hedy Lamarr
- Macdonald Carey
- Mona Freeman
- Harry Carey, Jr.
- Frank Faylen
- Hope Emerson
- Taylor Holmes
- Peggy Knudsen
- James Burke
Writers
- Jonathan Latimer
- Richard English
Producers
- Mel Epstein
Copper Canyon - FAQs
What is Copper Canyon about?
Copper Canyon follows Johnny Carter, a traveling stage sharpshooter mistaken for the legendary Colonel Desmond, who gets drawn into protecting a group of Southern veteran miners from a corrupt and violent deputy named Lane Travis. Romance, deception, and frontier justice collide in this classic Old West tale.
Is Johnny Carter really Colonel Desmond in the film?
That's the central mystery! The miners believe Johnny Carter is the legendary Colonel Desmond, but the film keeps you guessing. The question of his true identity drives much of the tension and intrigue, making it one of the more engaging threads running through the story.
Where can you stream or watch Copper Canyon?
You can watch Copper Canyon on several platforms. It's available for free on Hoopla, and you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Hoopla is a great option if you have a library card.
Who stars in Copper Canyon (1950)?
The film stars Ray Milland as the sharpshooter Johnny Carter and Hedy Lamarr as the alluring gambler Lisa Roselle. Macdonald Carey plays the menacing Deputy Lane Travis, with solid supporting turns from Mona Freeman, Harry Carey Jr., Frank Faylen, and Hope Emerson rounding out the cast.
What role does Lisa Roselle play in the conflict?
Lisa Roselle, played by Hedy Lamarr, is a glamorous gambler the miners suspect of being connected to their troubles. Johnny Carter romances her as the story unfolds, and her true allegiances add a layer of suspense and intrigue to the film's frontier drama.
Who directed Copper Canyon and when was it released?
Copper Canyon was directed by John Farrow, a seasoned Hollywood filmmaker known for his work across multiple genres. The film was released on November 15, 1950, by Paramount Pictures, and was shot in Technicolor, giving it a vivid, visually striking look typical of the era's prestige Westerns.
Is Copper Canyon worth watching for Western fans?
Absolutely. Copper Canyon delivers the classic ingredients Western fans love — frontier tension, a charismatic lead in Ray Milland, and the undeniable screen presence of Hedy Lamarr. The Technicolor photography by Charles Lang adds real visual flair, making it a polished and entertaining entry in the genre.
What are some movies similar to Copper Canyon?
If you enjoyed Copper Canyon, you might love High Noon (1952), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), High Plains Drifter (1973), Open Range (2003), and Will Penny (1967). Stagecoach (1939) and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) are also essential classics in a similar spirit.
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