Sierra (1950)

A rugged 1950 Western starring Audie Murphy as a mountain-raised horse breaker whose isolated world is transformed by a tenacious young lawyer.

Sierra - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1950
  • Directed by: Alfred E. Green
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Western
  • Age Rating (US): NR
  • Runtime: 1h 23m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): June 1, 1950 (United States - NR)
  • Production Companies: Universal International Pictures
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Sierra - Plot

Ring Hassard and his father Jeff, wild horse breakers, live in a hidden mountain eyrie as Jeff is wanted for a murder he didn't commit. Things change when they take in a lost young lady, Riley Martin, who finds that Ring has "never seen a woman close up." Jeff is injured, Ring runs afoul of horse thieves and the law, and Riley (who is a lawyer) labors to clear the Hassards (who others would prefer dead).

Sierra - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the mountain adventure unfold:

Adventure ... raging to the very peaks of Excitement !

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Sierra - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Alfred E. Green

Main Cast

  • Audie Murphy
  • Wanda Hendrix
  • Burl Ives
  • Dean Jagger
  • Richard Rober
  • Tony Curtis
  • Houseley Stevenson
  • Elliott Reid
  • Griff Barnett
  • Elisabeth Risdon

Writers

  • Edna Anhalt

Producers

  • Michael Kraike

Sierra - FAQs

What is Sierra (1950) about?

Sierra follows Ring Hassard and his father Jeff, fugitive wild horse breakers living in a remote mountain hideout. When a lost young lawyer named Riley Martin stumbles into their world, she sets out to clear Jeff's name of a murder he didn't commit — while navigating horse thieves, corrupt locals, and Ring's sheltered innocence.

Is Sierra (1950) worth watching for Western fans?

Absolutely. Sierra offers a charming blend of rugged outdoor adventure and an unusual romantic dynamic. Audie Murphy brings natural charisma to his role, and the Technicolor mountain scenery is genuinely stunning. It's a warm, entertaining Western with an appealing cast that includes a young Tony Curtis in an early screen role.

Who stars in Sierra alongside Audie Murphy?

The film features Wanda Hendrix as the resourceful lawyer Riley Martin, Dean Jagger as Jeff Hassard, and Burl Ives as the colorful Lonesome. A young Tony Curtis also appears as Brent Coulter — one of his early Hollywood roles before he became a major star.

Where can you watch Sierra (1950) online?

Streaming availability for Sierra (1950) can vary by region and platform. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any rental or purchase options currently available.

Is Sierra (1950) based on a true story?

Sierra is not based on a true story. It's adapted from a novel by Stuart Hardy, with the screenplay written by Edna Anhalt. The story of a wrongly accused horse breaker hiding in the mountains is a fictional Western narrative, though it draws on classic frontier themes of justice and survival.

Was Tony Curtis in Sierra (1950)?

Yes! Tony Curtis appears in Sierra as Brent Coulter, one of the antagonists. It's a notable early credit for Curtis, who was just beginning his Hollywood career at Universal International Pictures. Seeing him in this supporting role makes the film a fascinating piece of classic Hollywood history.

Who directed Sierra and who was the cinematographer?

Sierra was directed by Alfred E. Green, a prolific Hollywood director with decades of experience. The film's gorgeous Technicolor mountain photography was the work of cinematographer Russell Metty, whose lush visuals give the film much of its visual appeal and sense of wide-open frontier grandeur.

What are some movies similar to Sierra (1950)?

If you enjoyed Sierra, you might also like The Tall T (1957), Blood on the Moon (1948), Ramrod (1947), or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). For horse-centered Westerns with a similar spirit, Lonely Are the Brave (1962) and The Rare Breed (1966) are also well worth your time.

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