Quirt Evans, a notorious gunman, is wounded and nursed back to health by a Quaker family. He falls in love with their daughter, Penelope, and is influenced by their peaceful way of life. He has to choose between his violent past and his new-found love.
1947 American Western Romance Drama Film
John Wayne plays Quirt Evans, a wanted man who has a reputation as a ruthless killer. He is chased by a posse and wounded in a shootout. He arrives at a farm owned by a Quaker family, the Worths, who take him in and tend to his wounds. He meets their daughter, Penelope, who is curious about his life and his past loves. He also meets Marshal Wistful McClintock, an old friend who warns him that his enemies are still after him. Quirt decides to stay at the farm and recover while sending a telegram to claim some land that he won in a poker game. He gradually becomes attracted to Penelope and her gentle nature. He also learns about the Quaker beliefs of non-violence and forgiveness. He begins to question his own ways and values. However, he still has to deal with his rivals, such as Laredo Stevens, who wants to buy his land, and Frederick Carson, who has dammed up the stream that supplies water to the Worths' farm. Quirt confronts them both and shows them that he is not afraid to fight. He also has to face his own conscience and decide whether he can change his life for Penelope's sake. He realizes that he loves her and wants to marry her, but he also feels that he does not deserve her. He decides to leave the farm and settle his affairs, hoping to return later. However, he is ambushed by Laredo's men. He manages to defeat them but is badly wounded. He is found by McClintock, who takes him back to the farm. There, he is nursed by Penelope, who prays for his recovery. He regains consciousness and asks her to marry him. She accepts, and he gives up his gun and his violent ways.
