Chuck Conner dreams of moving to California. He happily seizes the opportunity to leave Nevada and stops at the ranch of his friend, the widowed father of four boys. This friend dies after falling off a horse, Chuck’s wild and unpredictable mare. Chuck blames himself. All his life, like the plague, he was afraid of any responsibility, but now suddenly realizes that he must take four boys under his care. He finds a job at the Higgins Ranch. His owner hates children after falling out with his own son, and Chuck is forced to hide the existence of the boys. He puts them in a nearby forest. Soon they are joined by a 19-year-old orphan Della, who escaped from a hated uncle. At night, Chuck steals provisions in the Higgins kitchen to feed 5 hungry mouths. In return, the children help him in his work. To explain why he gets things done so quickly, Chuck talks about the “little people,” and Higgins’ extremely superstitious wife immediately suggests that they are good creatures from Irish fairy tales. She knows that these creatures have a habit of dragging food out of the kitchen at night. Chuck doesn't argue. Higgins is skeptical. Higgins has long had a deadly enemy: a neighbor Martinez, who allegedly steals his cattle.
Pretty cute, like a family western. Joel McCree in the 50s became one of the main genre actors. A little rustic, but such a charming and kind-hearted hero in his performance, of course, the central figure of the picture. Eternal vagabond, free as the wind, he due to circumstances changes and takes responsibility, and also finds love. Although, Wanda Hendrix in the role of Della in the beginning looks quite like a teenager. And in general, the two-fold difference between them in age is visible to the naked eye. Well, come on, that's what happens now, and I think it was not uncommon in the Old West. In the background, it is worth highlighting John McIntyre as Higgins and Jeannette Nolan as his wife. Well, the guys in Chuck's care are quite good.
It was such a good western for all ages. There are few attributes of the genre here. In the film almost no shooting, there are only a couple of fist fights. Anyway, nice and moderately funny. Such a film for day family viewing, quite easy and not drawn out.
6.5 out of 10