This is an underrated Western. It never shows up on "Best Westerns" lists, but it is as good or better than many that do.
Here's what I liked:
Here are some of the things that detracted from the film's quality:
Here's what I liked:
- Kirk Douglas plays the stock role of charismatic Western scout very well.
- The Indians are portrayed as three dimensional characters. The film presents a pretty aggressive Indian point of view without becoming overly depressing or preachy.
- Red Cloud and the Sioux are placed in historically accurate context, except for the Oregon location.
- There are several very strong Civil War tie-ins.
- Nice bit about the photographer. Probably only time this idea was ever used as part of a "passing of the West" theme.
- Absolutely stunning outdoor locations. Very little sound stage filming.
- Elsa Martinelli is HOT.
- Excellent use of child actor Michael Winkelman (later of "The Real McCoys" TV series) as comic relief.
Here are some of the things that detracted from the film's quality:
- Walter Mathau is badly miscast as the heavy.
- Overall the plot is too bland and cookie cutter. The heavies aren't very menacing. There's no really compelling character or dramatic tension.
- In many places the plot is implausible and contrived, especially the actions of the heavies, Civington and Todd. The same is true of the romance between Hawks and Onahti. This is the chief's daughter, she has the pick of any brave in the tribe, yet she falls for a white guy who rapes her.
- Kirk Douglas is a legit star and has a great screen presence, but he is very smug and overacts.