A former outlaw, Billy Ringo, clashes with his old gang.[2][3] He had hung up his guns, bought a ranch and fallen in love with Arlene Reach (Helen Westcott), whom he plans to marry as soon as possible. Billy has let his nephew, Chip, live and work the ranch with him while Chip's father, Matt Ringo (John Dehner) is serving a prison sentence. Billy is determined that Chip keep on the straight and narrow.
Matt breaks out of prison and joins his three outlaw buddies - Dixon, Holloway, and Hoke - in a plan to pull a bank robbery. The plan, however, needs Billy Ringo's participation.
Billy refuses to join the robbery plot or to help his brother escape recapture. This angers Chip, who decides to join his father. An altercation occurs during which Billy accidentally kills Matt; Chip then becomes more determined to follow in his father's footsteps, as well as exact revenge upon his uncle.
Billy devises a plan to dissuade Chip and stop the gang and its devious ringleader, Ike Clinton. He arranges details with Marshal Wyatt Earp, telling him about the gang's plan to rob a Wells Fargo express wagon. A gunfight ensues at the robbery site. Chip realizes his mistake as Clinton murders his own men before he is subdued by Billy and handed over to Earp.
The film was originally known as Johnny Ringo, Tombstone Trail and Screaming Eagles.[4][5] Its plotline and lines are duplicated in another Edward Small production, Five Guns to Tombstone (1960).[6]
Hunter signed in October 1952. He had a two picture deal with Edward Small the other one being The Steel Claw.[7] Hunter wrote "Although the script was no great shakes, I was eager to make Gun Belt because it was a western. That meant horses."[8]
Filming started 13 November 1952 at the Goldwyn studios.[9]
^PRYO, THOMAS M. (October 1, 1952). "PASTERNAK PLANS NEW METRO MOVIE: Producer and Helen Deutsch Working on a Drama About the International Set". The New York Times. p. 38.
^Hunter, Tab (2005). Tab Hunter Confidential. p. 71.
^Scheuer, Philip K. (November 13, 1952). "Nelson Sidesteps Dance; 'Life of Casanova' Set; Taps Signs TV Warbler". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles. p. B11.
