Ray Milland plays 'Nardo'--yes, Nardo! Nardo is a vicious crook who has a huge suitcase of cash and is willing to do ANYTHING to get across the border into Mexico. When he shows up at the home of a local guide (Anthony Quinn), it's not just a coincidence--Quinn's wife (Debra Paget) was once Milland's lover and partner in crime. Soon Quinn learns this and is disheartened--but agrees to escort Paget and Milland through the desert for $10000.
The rest of the film consists of Quinn taking them through the desert and it's all pretty interesting. However, one HUGE plot problem remains--if Milland has, so far, killed at least two innocent people, why wouldn't he just kill Quinn when they make it across the border? And, more importantly, why wouldn't Quinn just shoot Milland when he got the chance--and several times throughout the film he had such an opportunity. In other words, Quinn says he knows that Milland will try to kill him--so why not shoot Milland and claim the reward?! The worst part is at the end--when Milland is trying to kill Quinn. Paget stops this when she gets the rifle--then stands so close to Milland that he EASILY strips away the gun. Duh!! As a result, while well made (with a lot of tension and nice acting), the film makes no sense--none. Now why would anyone want to watch a film that make no sense? In addition, at the end it just kind of peters out--running out of steam until, mercifully, it all ends.
By the way, at the end of the film, note how Quinn, after having a HUGE boulder roll onto his leg, is able to hop up and run around with no visible effects. A moment later, he starts limping...just a bit! Double duh!
The rest of the film consists of Quinn taking them through the desert and it's all pretty interesting. However, one HUGE plot problem remains--if Milland has, so far, killed at least two innocent people, why wouldn't he just kill Quinn when they make it across the border? And, more importantly, why wouldn't Quinn just shoot Milland when he got the chance--and several times throughout the film he had such an opportunity. In other words, Quinn says he knows that Milland will try to kill him--so why not shoot Milland and claim the reward?! The worst part is at the end--when Milland is trying to kill Quinn. Paget stops this when she gets the rifle--then stands so close to Milland that he EASILY strips away the gun. Duh!! As a result, while well made (with a lot of tension and nice acting), the film makes no sense--none. Now why would anyone want to watch a film that make no sense? In addition, at the end it just kind of peters out--running out of steam until, mercifully, it all ends.
By the way, at the end of the film, note how Quinn, after having a HUGE boulder roll onto his leg, is able to hop up and run around with no visible effects. A moment later, he starts limping...just a bit! Double duh!