The Man from Colorado

A veteran of the American Civil War becomes a ruthless, despotic judge in the rugged West. His former comrade from the army returns to launch a personal challenge to his authority and bring him down. The film stars Glenn Ford and William Holden.

The Man from Colorado is a programme presented in the format of a movie, firmly situated within the Western genre. Set against the backdrop of the post‑American Civil War era, it weaves classic frontier elements with the lingering consequences of that conflict. Produced for television, the work offers a concise yet compelling narrative that centres on law, power and personal loyalty. The story follows a former Union soldier who, after the war, takes up the position of a judge. Over time his administration grows increasingly tyrannical, as he imposes a harsh, self‑styled brand of justice on the community he serves. When his authoritarian rule threatens the fragile peace of the region, an old comrade from their army days steps forward, determined to confront and bring down his former friend. The film stars Glenn Ford and William Holden in the principal roles. Ford portrays the despotic judge, while Holden appears as the veteran friend who feels obliged to intervene. Their performances form the backbone of the drama, providing the central conflict that propels the plot. As a Western, The Man from Colorado blends frontier settings with the after‑effects of the Civil War, presenting a clash between lawlessness and order. The programme’s focused storytelling and tightly drawn character dynamics give it a distinctive place within the genre’s catalogue.