He’ll survive—for now. The moment he seems vulnerable, his life is over. The film begins with a chase across Canyon Of Death {Oak Creek Canyon}, and the person being chased is Comanche Todd. He's a white man who has Comanche ancestry; he’s also wanted for killing three men. Following his capture by Sheriff Bull Harper, Todd and his guard encounter a wagon train of Christian settlers that comes under attack by Apache warriors. With their resources dwindling and unprepared to face both the harsh landscape and ongoing danger, these remaining settlers must rely on Todd to hopefully guide them to safety. The Last Wagon is part of a large number of Westerns with comparable storylines, but this Delmer Daves {Dark Passage & 3:10 to Yuma} film stands out from many others because it has several advantages working for it. The main reason to watch the movie is Richard Widmark’s portrayal of Todd. What could have been a standard character is brought to life by Widmark with a sense of bitterness and frustration. This resentment, combined with hints of romance, makes his performance compelling. The romantic subplot involving Felicia Farr {in a charming performance} as Jenny doesn't detract from the story; instead, it’s appealing and complements the dramatic elements. Daves and his co writer, James Edward Grant, have done well in creating an examination of people facing extreme pressure, avoiding the overly sentimental tone common in similar films. The film explores both good qualities and flaws, as well as the ability to show compassion regardless of the situation or whether one is acting on accurate information or rumors. The movie also features stunning scenery filmed at Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona {in Cinemascope and Technicolor}, and it seems like a film that has been largely overlooked except by Widmark fans and Western enthusiasts. That’s unfortunate, because even though the conclusion doesn't quite align with everything that precedes it, it is an enjoyable Western deserving of wider recognition within a genre often looked down upon. 8/10

Source on TMDB