The Lonely Trail is a 1936 Western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring John Wayne as John Ashley, a former Union soldier who is now a gunfighter. The story is set in post-Civil War Texas, where Ashley is asked by the Governor to track down and remove corrupt officials and carpetbaggers who are causing trouble among the people.
Ashley enlists the help of his friend, a traveling salesman named Dusty (played by Gabby Hayes), and together they embark on a dangerous mission that takes them through rugged terrain and into dangerous situations. Ashley is a skilled marksman and fighter, but he faces tough opposition from the greedy men he is trying to remove.
Unexpectedly, Ashley runs into his old friend, Holden (played by Earl Dwire), who agrees to help him with his mission. However, Ashley soon discovers that Holden has his own agenda and is not the trustworthy friend he thought he was.
As Ashley navigates his way through the dangerous territory, he becomes increasingly conflicted about his own past and his role in the war. Ultimately, he must decide whether to stay true to his principles or to succumb to the corruption and violence that he encounters along the way.
The Lonely Trail reflects themes of loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, highlighting the challenges of postwar life in the wild West. The film is considered a classic example of the Western genre and is notable for John Wayne's strong performance as a conflicted and complex hero.