Treasure of Ruby Hills

Treasure of Ruby Hills, released in 1955, is a compelling western film boasting a standout cast including Zachary Scott, Carole Mathews, and Barton MacLane. Set against the parched landscapes of the arid southwest, the ambience sets the stage for a swashbuckling drama wrapped in the cloak of classic Western thrills.

The protagonist of the movie, Ross Haney, is portrayed by Zachary Scott, who brings an in-depth understanding of complex characters, honed over the course of his illustrious career, on the big screen. Haney, a shrewd gambler and hardened gunman, sculpted by the harsh realities of life, is drawn to the temptations laid bare by a potential windfall in the Ruby Hills, an area rumored to be rich in untouched water sources – a rare commodity in the dry expanses of the Wild West. He purchases the water rights to Ruby Hills, setting him up for a direct collision with the existing settlers and big ranchers. How Haney balances his ambition, relationships, and lawlessness to maintain control is the crux of the plot.

Barton MacLane, in the role of the prominent rancher, Lee Jessup, is a masterclass in portraying power players. As a man who built his fortune and reputation amid wildfires of conflict and the ruggedness of frontier life, Jessup is not a man to be crossed, especially when it comes to territory. His approach to the water crisis, as well as his vendetta against Haney sparked by their tangling interests, forms a significant part of the storyline.

Carole Mathews, known for seamless character transitions, dons the role of Sherry, Jessup's wife, who is drawn towards Haney's rugged charm, expediently complicating the dynamics of the central conflict. The stunning Mathews fills the screen with a complex confluence of charm, wit and cunning, creating an irresistible but volatile chemistry with both Scott's Haney and MacLane's Jessup. This multifaceted, shifting relationship trio brings an engaging layer of emotional charge to the movie's raw western setting.

In addition to its leading cast, Treasure of Ruby Hills features a supporting cast of characters each distinct in their own right. This vibrant ensemble adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that it is not just another simplistic tale of cowboys and conflict, but rather a broader, multilayered exploration of the complexities of the frontiersmen era.

The movie, directed by Frank McDonald, is a journey through a critical era of America's wild west. He notably handles the raw emotion, ruthless ambition, and the constant threat of violence with a masterful touch, creating an environment that commands and holds the viewer's attention. McDonald’s efficient plotting and staging bring a unique edge to the narrative, allowing standing conflicts and character arcs to unravel in a manner that maintains the suspense and dramatic tension.

Cinematography plays a critical role in the storytelling as well, capturing the stark beauty and relentless reality of the desert, shaping not only the visual landscape but also the narrative's pacing. The wild western landscapes are shot with an artist's eye, echoing the relentless struggle for influence and survival all the characters personify, thereby acting as reflective metaphors for the unfolding drama.

In terms of background scoring, Treasure of Ruby Hills sculpts a rich auditory landscape, in line with the visual spectacle. Rousing pieces give flesh to the high-stake confrontations while the more subtle scores paint the undercurrents of romance and subtly crafted maneuverings.

While specifically a western, Treasure of Ruby Hills crisscrosses genre boundaries, exploring elements of drama, romance, and action, never being confined to a single category. It boasts of meticulous characterization, a plot that continually ratchets up the tension throughout its swift runtime and a stunning backdrop of the stark yet beautiful desert landscape.

In conclusion, Treasure of Ruby Hills, released in 1955, is a gripping Western saga that promises a deep dive into the lives of fierce characters fuelled by ambition and survival instincts, thrown into a power struggle that keeps escalating until the final showdown. It is a thrilling cinematic journey for those who enjoy westerns filled with intense drama, layered characters, and powerful direction—creating an enticing cinematic experience that remains engaging and compelling, even decades after its first release.