“Kansas Pacific” is a Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and released in 1953. The story is set during the Civil War and follows a group of Union soldiers who are assigned to protect the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, which is seen as vital to the Union’s war effort.
The film begins with a group of soldiers, led by Captain Nelson (Sterling Hayden), being sent to Kansas to protect the Kansas Pacific Railroad from Confederate raids. Along the way, they encounter a group of Confederate soldiers who are also looking to disrupt the railroad’s construction. Among the Confederate soldiers is Captain Warren (Barton MacLane), who is tasked with leading the raid.
As the two groups engage in a series of skirmishes and battles, Captain Nelson becomes increasingly suspicious of a local rancher named Camrose (Reed Hadley), who he believes is secretly aiding the Confederate soldiers. He also becomes romantically involved with Camrose’s daughter, Barbara (Eve Miller), which complicates his mission.
As the tension between the Union and Confederate soldiers intensifies, Captain Nelson and his men manage to thwart several attempts to disrupt the railroad’s construction. In the final showdown, the Union soldiers manage to stop the Confederate raid and prevent a major setback to the Union’s war effort.
In the end, Captain Nelson and Barbara part ways, as he returns to his duties as a soldier and she stays behind with her family. The film ends on a hopeful note, as the Kansas Pacific Railroad is completed and the Union’s victory in the Civil War is assured.
Directors:
Ray Nazarro
Writer:
Daniel B. Ullman
Stars:
Sterling Hayden, Eve Miller, Barton MacLane
