Robert Mitchum

Even though he recently lost his job as a department-store clerk, Steve Mason buys an electric train set for a child he scarcely knows. It must be Christmas time.

Robert Mitchum plays to perfection an alcoholic but gutsy sheriff who relentlessly battles the dark side of the Wild West, ruthless cattle barons and crooked "businessmen."

The hardboiled Marlowe's latest cases, the search for an ex-convict's lost love, and the murder of a client, take on an even more sinister turn when they begin to connect, leading the private eye deeper and deeper into the seamy underbelly of 1940s Los Angeles. As the stakes are raised and the body count swells, it looks like Marlowe might be next on the list to take the big sleep.

John Steinbeck adapted three of his own classic short stories to create a powerful family portrait. Young Tom is unable to find the love and guidance he needs from his parents. For friendship and support, Tom turns to the easy-going hired hand, Billy Buck. In an attempt to become closer to his son, Tom's father gives him a red pony to raise. As the horse becomes the focus of Tom's life, it ultimately drives the family further apart as Tom turns to...