The Oklahoman (film)

The Oklahoman is a 1957 American CinemaScope Western film starring Joel McCrea, Barbara Hale, and Brad Dexter.^[1] It was also the last film of actress Esther Dale.

The Oklahoman
Directed by	Francis D. Lyon
Written by	Daniel B. Ullman
Produced by	Walter Mirisch
Starring	Joel McCrea Barbara Hale Brad Dexter
Cinematography	Carl E. Guthrie
Edited by	George White
Music by	Hans J. Salter
Color process	Color by DeLuxe
Production company	Allied Artists Pictures
Distributed by	Allied Artists Pictures
Release date	May 19, 1957 (1957-05-19)
Running time	80 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Plot

On his way to California, a doctor, John Brighton, decides to stay in Oklahoma Territory after his wife dies in childbirth. He takes a room at the home of elderly Mrs. Fitzgerald, who helps raise his new daughter Louise.

Five years later, as he becomes acquainted with attractive widow Anne Barnes and her mother, Mrs. Waynebrook, the doctor treats the ill child of an Indian named Charlie. He also meets Charlie's teen daughter, Maria, who is so good with children that he puts Louise in her care after Mrs. Fitzgerald's death.

Publicity photograph of Joel McCrea and Gloria Talbott for the film

Wealthy rancher Cass Dobie and brother Mel are gobbling up land in the territory. When they determine that oil is on Charlie's property, they scheme to get it. Mel even tries to shoot Charlie, but is killed in self-defense. John testifies on Charlie's behalf.

While awaiting a legal decision on the shooting, Maria professes her love for John. The angry Cass has a confrontation with John, who prevails, after which Maria realizes that John is actually in love with Anne.

Cast

• Joel McCrea as John Brighton
• Barbara Hale as Anne Barnes
• Brad Dexter as Cass Dobie
• Verna Felton as Mrs. Waynebrook
• Douglas Dick as Mel Dobie
• Michael Pate as Charlie
• Gloria Talbott as Maria
• Esther Dale as Mrs. Fitzgerald
• Ray Teal as Jason
• Scotty Beckett as Messenger at Ranch (uncredited)
• Mimi Gibson as Louise Brighton

Comic book adaptation

• Dell Four Color #820 (June 1957)^[2][3]