Shootout in a One Dog Town

This made-for-TV gem is DEFINITELY NOT a comedy. Any reviewer describing it as a comedy has clearly confused it with another film, possibly "Support Your Local Gunfighter."

A mortally-wounded courier (Michael Ansara) arrives in a small town, and asks the town banker (Richard Crenna) to safeguard the valuable shipment which he has given his life to protect. Crenna agrees to do so, much to the chagrin of the townspeople who fear that the bad guys will now tear up the town to finally get their hands on the shipment.

Much as in "High Noon", where the townspeople feel that Sheriff Will Kane's fight with Frank Miller is none of their concern, the townspeople this time feel no obligation to protect the valuable shipment now in banker Crenna's vault. Mr. Crenna is left to his own resources to fulfill his promise to Mr. Ansara.

This movie brilliantly encompasses and illustrates the positive virtues of honor, courage, loyalty, integrity, and resourcefulness. I have only seen it one time, during its original broadcast, and was totally blown away. I would love to see it again, and would love to have a copy of it in my library.