After a long career, a retired sheriff in the old west is forced to defend himself against war crime allegations from the civil war. Dividing the town and discrediting his legacy.

The reason is it triggers a story, it is not the story. We could make him a royalist in Ireland or a Germany after WW2 now living in France.

Is a person their worst action or a total of all their actions? That is the story.

Really like this log line. It’s concise and it’s a movie I’d like to see! Truly. Not enough quality westerns. Great job!

>>>Whatever side he was on is immaterial really to the story.

????

Thank you. I have had this story bouncing in my head for years. Finally felt I was ready to start writing it.

I love this logline.

Excellent thank you.

He headed west to hide. Civilisation catches up to him.

After the end of the Civil War some states carried out actions against former soldiers.

Whatever side he was on is immaterial really to the story.

Yes he was guilty. Some people defend him be saying “he was ordered”, while others take the high ground. A bit like the time when people would openly critique Vietnam vets.

After all these years, why NOW? That is, what is the inciting incident that dredges up the dark episode in his past?

What side did he fight on, the Union or the Confederacy?

Or perhaps 'civil war crime accusations'

I think it's a solid premise and logline. Here are some minor changes without changing it too much.
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"After a storied career, a renown sheriff is forced to defend himself against civil war crimes, dividing his town and threatening his legacy."