Revisiting ‘Ride Clear of Diablo’, an underrated western starring Audie Murphy

A vintage 1954 theatrical poster for “Ride Clear of Diablo,” a Universal Western ably directed by Jesse Hibbs and starring Audie Murphy. Featuring Dan Duryea, one of the most sadistic villains in cinema history, his tentative onscreen alliance with railroad surveyor Murphy is essential viewing for classic Western aficionados. Image Credit: SarahBethOnline.com / Universal Studios

Released in March 1954 by Universal International Studios, Ride Clear of Diablo is a well-paced western starring Audie Murphy that provides plenty of entertainment in its tight 81-minute running time.

After appearing in a string of largely forgettable westerns for Universal during the early ’50s, notably exempting Tumbleweed, Gunsmoke, and director John Huston’s MGM loan-out The Red Badge of Courage, critics were beginning to write off the actor’s burgeoning career.

Perhaps serendipitously, Ride Clear of Diablo became a definitive Murphy film that swiftly cemented his likable screen persona and jump-started the golden era of his career during the mid to late ‘50s.

Ably directed by Jesse Hibbs, who also helmed Murphy’s engaging war drama To Hell and Back, Ride Clear of Diablo opens with cattle rustlers murdering Murphy’s father and younger brother.

Portraying a railroad surveyor named Clay O’Mara, Murphy is away at the time of the killing. He is called into town by the executor of his father’s estate, only to discover that the executor and town sheriff may have something to hide.

The Congressional Medal of Honor recipient does not reveal any great acting depth in the film, yet he brings a certain authenticity to…