The Conquering Horde Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Conquering Horde.
The Conquering Horde Ending Explained: Not long after the Civil War, Texas cattle ranchers realize they have a problem--the Union Pacific railroad is bypassing their state and make it near impossible to get their cattle to market. Directed by Edward Sloman, this 1931 western film stars Richard Arlen (Dan McMasters), alongside Fay Wray as Taisie Lockhart, Claude Gillingwater as Jim Nabours, Ian Maclaren as Marvin Fletcher. Rated 7/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Conquering Horde?
Not long after the Civil War, Texas cattle ranchers realize they have a problem--the Union Pacific railroad is bypassing their state and make it near impossible to get their cattle to market. Many ranchers are being forced to sell their land, and crooked state treasure Marvin Fletcher buys up the land at pennies on the dollar. However, Laguna del Sol Ranch owner Taisie Lockhart and her ranch hands are holding out. Cowboy Dan McMasters returns to the ranch and tries to rekindle his romance with Taisie, but she rejects him because he fought for the North during the war. But what she doesn't know is that Dan is on an undercover mission from the President to investigate Fletcher, and in order to do that he has to pretend to be sympathetic to Fletcher and goes to work for him, angering Taisie even more. Complications ensue.
Edward Sloman's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Richard Arlen (Dan McMasters)'s journey. Many ranchers are being forced to sell their land, and crooked state treasure Marvin Fletcher buys up the land at pennies on the dollar.
How Does Richard Arlen (Dan McMasters)'s Story End?
- Richard Arlen: Richard Arlen's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Edward Sloman delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 13m runtime.
- Fay Wray (Taisie Lockhart): Fay Wray's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Claude Gillingwater (Jim Nabours): Claude Gillingwater's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is The Conquering Horde Based on a True Story?
Yes — The Conquering Horde draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Edward Sloman has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of The Conquering Horde Mean?
The ending of The Conquering Horde ties together the narrative threads involving Richard Arlen. Edward Sloman chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.