Charleton Heston, alongside an extraordinary supporting cast, gives a fine performance in this excellent example of the "loner" western. He is Will Penny, an aging cowboy, whose never-ending quest for work is interrupted by Quint (Donald Pleasance), a maniacal preacher, and his two sons. After Will kills one of Quint's sons during a scuffle, Quint vows revenge and returns to keep his word. Meanwhile, Will finds unexpected love in the form of Catherine (Joan Hackett), who is en route to California to meet her husband. Director Tom Gries's effective screenplay emphasizes the hopelessness and loneliness of the Old West over action and heroics.