Cole is accused of stealing a horse and is taken to Judge Bean. He manipulates Bean and escapes the death penalty. But fate keeps bringing them both face-to-face for various reasons.br Initial release: September 20, 1940br Director: William Wylerbr Awards: Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Rolebr Story by: Stuart N. Lakebr Screenplay: Niven Busch, Stuart N. Lake, Jo Swerling, Lillian Hellman, Oliver La Farge, W. R.