It’s a genuinely enjoyable, uncomplicated western film starring Audie Murphy as someone running from the law after robbing a bank. He winds up in a town where the judge – portrayed by Walter Matthau with considerable energy – wrongly assumes he'd be perfect for the sheriff position. Then, Gia Scala shows up; she used to be involved with Murphy’s character and nearly exposes him. To keep his scheme going, he pretends …

Ride a Crooked Trail comes from director Jesse Hibbs, with a screenplay by Borden Chase based on a story by George Bruce. The cast includes Audie Murphy, Walter Matthau, Gia Scala, Leo Gordon, Henry Silva, and Eddie Little. It’s presented in CinemaScope/Eastman Color, featuring music by Joseph Gershenson and cinematography by Harold Lipstein. The movie combines lighthearted moments with more serious elements as Au…