This film is part of a DVD set entitled "Treasures III"--a set of four DVDs all about social issues and reform. The fourth disk (where you'll find this one) is about ethnic issues in particular.
Paramount Studios pulled out the stops for this film--at least initially. In a rare move, the studio filmed this in Two-Color Technicolor--an expensive film process that may not look fantastic today, but was quite an innovation in the 1920s. Fortunately, the color was restored to its original vividness. All too often, these old films actually lose all their color and become indistinguishable from regular black & white films. However, despite spending a lot of money for this, apparently they ran short of funds and only the initially filmed portions were done in color. Also, white the film is essentially a silent, sound disks with accompanying music and effects do exist for several of the reels--making viewing an unusual but doable process.
The film stars Richard Dix as a Navajo who was taken as a boy from the reservation and educated at an Indian school established by White America. He is forced to go to this school and his native culture is not so much celebrated as there is an attempt to make him like the rest of the Americans--the standard policy of the day.
Later, when he graduates, he attends a regular college where he's a track star. However, he's called home when his mother is ill and now he's torn because he sees his old girlfriend and doesn't want to leave her. However, he does and once back at school, he's treated more like an oddity or mascot than a man. It's especially evident when he was told that the only reason he's tolerated is because the track team needs him! Sick of this mistreatment, he vows to leave.
At the same time, when Dix's girlfriend (Corn Blossom) is summoned back home to her reservation from school, her family announce that they are tired of her learning the White men's ways AND they hate that she's in love with a Navajo. Apparently they are from tribes that are traditionally enemies--making their chances of success as a couple very slim.
When Dix arrives home, instead of being happy to see him, the tribe (like hers) is distrustful of him because they fear he's become acculturated into the White man's world. When he tries to teach them good things learned from White schools, the tribe disowns him and he leaves to live on his own.
Now, the Pueblo Indians try to force Corn Flower to marry within her tribe. However, she pretends to poison herself and escapes. In the meantime, two oil men show up on Dix's land and try to steal his claim. So, using his great running skills, he runs all the way to the claims office. Once there, an angry Pueblo man AND the two oil men show up but Dix manages to avoid their deadly intent. Now, with the claim registered, he's a rich man and gives the wealth to both the Pueblo and Navajo tribes--ensuring friendship and prosperity for all. And, of course, he can now wed Corn Flower.
While some might find the film a bit patronizing today, it was a very sincere and enjoyable effort--much like THE SQUAW MAN. Entertaining, enlightening and very balanced--a very nice film and probably the last great silent film.
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