In this semi-factual historical western, Gable is Devereaux Burke, a cattle baron enlisted by President Andrew Jackson (Barrymore) in 1845 to help convince Texas to become part of the United States. Gable encounters newspaperwoman Martha Ronda (Gardner) and her beau, Senator Thomas Craden (Crawford) who want Texas to become its own republic. Devereaux and Martha soon fall in love despite their differing opinions and he prepares for a final showdown with Craden.

Lone Star theme

Ava Gardner singing "Moonlight was Made for Lovers"

Watch the trailer

Quote-able Gable

"Am I late, Minnie?" first line

"If I want to risk my neck again, I want to come out of it with something more than glory!"

"Why Minnie, did you ever know me not to get someplace where a beautiful lady is waiting for me?"

"It's convenient to have a woman you can take for granted. Not very exciting but
convenient. I've never been that lucky."

"I've always had a wandering foot. This is the first time I've ever wanted a woman...hear
me out--this is the first time in my life I've ever wanted a woman to be my wife!"

"He might be faster than I and I can't afford to die tonight!"

"Why pretend the truth isn't the truth? I've known every since that night on the patio. You'll never kiss another man like that. Some women might, but not you."

"You're a strange woman. But still a lot of woman."

"Give that flag to a man big enough to carry it!" last line

Behind the Scenes

Gable started production on this film soon after asking his fourth wife Sylvia for a divorce.

Director Vincent Sherman later recalled that they all realized the film was awful during production, but being their assignment, got through it anyway without much gusto. Broderick Crawford was in a drunken stupor throughout filming and Gable and Gardner were just "showing up, reading lines and going home", recalled Sherman.

The last film of the legendary Lionel Barrymore, who was wheelchair bound. Sherman and Gable both convinced him to take the small role of President Andrew Jackson.