Wayne spent many years starring in low-budget, “poverty row” Westerns when his career began.
This can be seen in the opening, where Ethan returns after an eight-year gap.
While they rarely exchange dialogue they often give each other meaningful glances.
Johnson (Ward Bond) tries his best to ignore the obvious charge between the two.
This moment would turn out to be the last time Ethan sees her alive.
Instead of killing her, Ethan picks her up in his arms and carries her home.
