<P> The townspeople are unfriendly, to John and Tom in particular . Katie Elder was extremely well liked by everyone in the community, who were all aware of her honesty, her poverty and her undying love for the sons who neglected her . The brothers want to do something for Katie's sake, and their plan is to send youngest son Bud to college, raising money through a sale of another man's herd of horses, even though Bud wants to emulate his eldest brother . </P> <P> Morgan Hastings (James Gregory), a gunsmith and rising entrepreneur, claims ownership of the Elders' ranch, saying he won it from their father in a game of cards; Bass Elder afterwards was shot in the back, and the killer is still unknown . Hastings hides a hostile attitude towards the brothers and brings in a hired gun, Curley (George Kennedy). Noting Hasting's attitude, the Elders begin to suspect foul play . Hastings claims Bass lost the ranch in a game of Blackjack, so John, in a ruse, states their father wouldn't have been caught dead playing Blackjack . </P> <P> When Hastings learns about the brothers' investigations, he kills the sheriff (Paul Fix) and frames the Elder brothers for the murder . Then, not content with seeing them go to prison, Hastings arranges an ambush in which Matt is killed and Bud seriously injured . Deputy Ben Latta (Jeremy Slate) is not part of the conspiracy, but is shot and killed by Hastings when he decides to aid the Elders . The surviving Elders escape, and going back to town to get medical help for Bud, John and Tom barricade themselves in the smithy . Tom manages to kidnap Hasting's weak - willed son Dave (Dennis Hopper), although he is seriously injured in the process . Hastings shoots his own boy in an attempt to prevent him from testifying . In the presence of John Elder and the local judge, a wounded Dave manages to relate the tale of his father's crimes before he dies . John takes up arms and kills Hastings by shooting up a cask of gunpowder inside his own gun store . </P> <Ul> <Li> John Wayne as John Elder </Li> <Li> Dean Martin as Tom Elder </Li> <Li> Martha Hyer as Mary Gordon </Li> <Li> Michael Anderson Jr. as Bud Elder </Li> <Li> Earl Holliman as Matt Elder </Li> <Li> Jeremy Slate as Ben Latta </Li> <Li> James Gregory as Morgan Hastings </Li> <Li> Paul Fix as Sheriff Billy Wilson </Li> <Li> George Kennedy as Curley </Li> <Li> Dennis Hopper as Dave Hastings </Li> <Li> Sheldon Allman as Harry Evers </Li> <Li> John Litel as Minister </Li> <Li> John Doucette as Hyselman </Li> <Li> James Westerfield as Mr. Vennar </Li> <Li> Rhys Williams as Charlie Striker </Li> <Li> John Qualen as Charlie Biller </Li> <Li> Rodolfo Acosta as Bondie Adams </Li> <Li> Strother Martin as Jeb Ross </Li> <Li> Percy Helton as Mr. Peevey </Li> <Li> Karl Swenson as Doc Isdell </Li> </Ul>

Who played the sheriff in the sons of katie elder