Directed by Gordon Douglas and based on the novel by Charles Marquis Warren, Only the Valiant is a stark, character-driven Western war drama starring Gregory Peck as a cavalry captain caught between duty and resentment. Set during the Indian Wars, the film explores themes of leadership, redemption, and the burden of command.
Plot Summary
Captain Richard Lance (Gregory Peck) is a principled but unpopular officer who’s blamed for sending a fellow lieutenant on a fatal mission—allegedly to eliminate romantic competition for the affections of Cathy Eversham (Barbara Payton). When Apaches threaten a strategic mountain pass, Lance is tasked with defending a remote outpost with a ragtag group of soldiers—many of whom despise him.
As tensions rise and the enemy closes in, Lance must earn the respect of his men and prove his integrity. The film builds toward a gritty, claustrophobic showdown where survival depends on unity and sacrifice.
Cast Highlights
- Gregory Peck as Capt. Richard Lance
- Barbara Payton as Cathy Eversham
- Ward Bond as Cpl. Gilchrist
- Gig Young, Lon Chaney Jr., Neville Brand, and Jeff Corey round out the ensemble of misfit troopers
- Michael Ansara appears as Tucsos, adding depth to the Apache antagonist
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- Gregory Peck considered this one of his least favorite films, calling it a “potboiler” and a step backward after The Gunfighter
- Gary Cooper was originally intended for the lead role
- During filming, Peck reportedly had an affair with co-star Barbara Payton, according to his authorized biography
- The film features a character referred to as a “galvanized Yankee”—a Confederate POW who swore allegiance to the Union and was sent west to fight Native Americans
- Despite his reservations, Peck remained professional on set, often requesting retakes to improve scenes
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