A drifter with a past as a gunfighter happens by struggling homesteaders threatened by a powerful land baron, and he comes to their aid in “Shane,” the Oscar-winning 1953 western showing on Saturday, July 23 at downtown Peoria’s nonprofit Apollo Theater.

Starring Alan Ladd in the title role, the two-hour gem also features Jean Arthur and Van Heflin. It was directed by filmmaker George Stevens, whose credits range from “Giant” and “Woman of the Year” to “A Place in the Sun” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”

Besides the main plot of little guys vs. big shots – pitting farmers or sheep herders against ranchers or bankers is the familiar western structure – “Shane” has a touching subplot of an impressionable youngster who comes to idolize the mystery man helping his family.

Brandon de Wilde stars as the kid, heading an impressive supporting cast including Ben Johnson, Elisha Cook, Jr., Edgar Buchanan and Jack Palance – as a sinister hired gun.

Its screenplay was by Pulitzer Prize winner A.B. Guthrie Jr., based on Jack Schaefer’s 1949 novel.

Besides winning an Academy Award for Color Cinematography for the spectacular vistas, which become almost another character, “Shane” was nominated for five other Oscars.

Show times at the Apollo are at 7:oo p.m. Donations are $5 and $4 for kids, students and seniors. For details call (309) 673-4343.