The Tall Stranger Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Tall Stranger.
The Tall Stranger Ending Explained: A Union soldier returns to his western home at the end of the Civil War and finds himself caught in the middle of a land war between his greedy half-brother and a wagon train of Confederate homesteaders. Directed by Thomas Carr, this 1957 western film stars Joel McCrea (Ned Bannon), alongside Virginia Mayo as Ellen, Barry Kelley as Hardy Bishop, Michael Ansara as Zarata. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Tall Stranger?
A Union soldier returns to his western home at the end of the Civil War and finds himself caught in the middle of a land war between his greedy half-brother and a wagon train of Confederate homesteaders.
How Does Joel McCrea (Ned Bannon)'s Story End?
- Joel McCrea: Joel McCrea's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Virginia Mayo (Ellen): Virginia Mayo's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Barry Kelley (Hardy Bishop): Barry Kelley's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Tall Stranger Mean?
The Tall Stranger's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Joel McCrea may feel rushed. Thomas Carr's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.