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The picture is an epic portrait of the historic story about celebrated Chief Joseph (Ned Romero) and his legendary feat leading the Ned Perce tribe on a trek to Canada . Meanwhile , he squares off US cavalry commanded by General Howard (James Withmore and attended by his captain played by Sam Eliott) who leads his army on a wild chase across the plains and mountains in this saga of the old west . Joseph refuses to surrender in this chronicle of a bitter fight between the Ned Perce tribe and the US cavalry in the struggle for the west . The film displays action Western , shootouts , drama and spectacular battles . It's a thoughtful piece for its time that had an original tragic ending . The motion picture was brilliantly directed by Richard T. Heffron . This powerful TV movie will appeal to Indian Western fans.

The movie was correctly based on real events . Thus , Chief Joseph (1832-1904) became a skilled military leader ,he won 18 battles in the 1877 war,then led the retreat to Canada,before surrendering. The reality happened when Ned Percé ceded a large part of their territory to the U.S. by treaty and settled on lands in Oregon and Idaho.Joseph's people occupied the ancestral lands of the fertile Wallowa Valley in Oregon.When gold was discovered in Nez Percé county,government agents proposed a new treaty which would remove Joseph's people from their Valley to a reservation in Idaho.He wanted no part of the treaty but in the summer of 1877 General Howard delivered an ultimatum that all must leave the Wallowa within thirty days or be forcibly removed by the cavalry.The Ned Percé tribe has always been friendly with the white men but when the situation developed into armed conflict between his warriors and the soldiers,he decided to fight.After defeating a column sent after them and bringing an angry Howard into the field with a big force, he decided refuge in Canada,as Sitting Bull had done after defeating Custer at the Little Big Horn(1876).So began the epic flight , a fighting march of 1300 miles across US,engaging separate commands of the Army all the way.On 5 October 1877 Joseph and his surviving people were surrounded by fresh troops about thirty miles from the Canadian border.The Indians were exhausted,starving and cold and Joseph surrendered to generals Howard and Miles,delivering his classic speech of the defeated Indian.The Ned Percé were sent to reservation in the Indian territory,now Oklahoma.In 1885 the great chief was sent to Colville reservation in Washington,where he died in 1904,still an exile from his beloved Wallowa Valley.

When this film was made in 1975 it was almost 100 years since the Nez Perce Indian tribe made its final stand for dignity and pride. That was no longer left to them after they were ordered from their ancestral lands in Eastern Oregon to a reservation in Idaho. I Will Fight No More Forever was their Chief Joseph's immortal words as he was now concerned with simply survival of the Nez Perce tribe and culture.

The man charged with delivering this ultimatum which he regarded as distasteful was General Oliver O. Howard for whom Howard University is named after. Howard is played by James Whitmore is a figure of both duty and compassion. But as a soldier duty comes first. His conflict is brought out in many conversations with Sam Elliott playing one of his officers who quite bluntly said he never signed on for duty like this.

The film sticks pretty close to the facts as they unfolded in 1877. What the back story of the film is about is that the Nez Perce up to that point had not taken up arms against the whites, preferring to accommodate. When they could no longer do that however, Chief Joseph who had no military experience as such proved to be a resourceful commander, leading his tribe in a defensive retreat that lasted for months.

Ned Romero plays a magnificent and proud Chief Joseph who in the end has to bow to reality. This is a fine film, highly recommended about a bitter and distasteful yet heroic incident from the Nez Perce point of view.

"I Will Fight No More Forever" is an overlooked Western from 1975, possibly because it was made-for-TV. Despite this, it's actually better than a lot of theatrically released Westerns from the same period or, at least, just as good.

THE PLOT: When gold is discovered on the ancestral lands of the Nez Perce (in the NE corner of Oregon and border of Idaho) their treaty is broken to allow settlers to move into their lands, which results in conflict. The US Army seeks to subjugate the tribe of 800 and relocate them to a reservation, but Chief Joseph – Native name: Hinmatóowyalahtq'it – resists, winning 18 engagements against the Army with only a little over a hundred warriors. These engagements include four major battles and four fiercely contested skirmishes. The Nez Perce War lasted four months and involved a 1200-mile chase. Joseph and his tribe ultimately sought refuge in Canada. Will they make it? See the movie.

Being a TV movie from 1975 I was expecting to be let down; I was anticipating white actors playing Natives and a roll-your-eyes tone, but this isn't the case at all. The main Indian characters are played by Native Americans of various tribes; even Ned Romero, who plays Chief Joseph, is Chitimacha Native American (as well as French/Spanish). The ending of the film lists the Native actors and their tribal ancestry.

As for the tone, although you can't expect "Dances With Wolves" quality in a TV Western from 1975, it's not that far off. Although the portrayal of the Indians is too "Hollywood-ized" in that they're perhaps overly noble and virtuous, it rings true nevertheless. There's a great scene where a few braves break into a saloon to enact revenge on the white trash who murdered a tribesman. The warriors are painted and the patrons are convincingly scared for their lives. The ending of the sequence makes a powerful statement.

James Whitmore and Sam Elliott play the general and colonel of the Army respectively and you can witness their struggle with performing their duty and doing what's right. They respect Joseph and his warriors and realize that the tribe only wants to retain their freedom, and understandably so: it was promised to them via a treaty. The officers know what they're doing is unjust, but they're under orders.

Composer Gerald Fried of Star Trek fame (e.g. "Amok Time") wrote the quality score and even reprises some obvious Trekian aspects. The film runs 105 minutes.

BOTTOM LINE: "I Will Fight No More Forever" inspired me to research the historical facts, which the movie is pretty good with, even supplying a screen-map detailing Joseph's 1200-mile route every step of the way. Despite being well-done, the topic is dreary and the story isn't compelling enough to give a higher grade. Still, this is a very respectable film and a must-see if you like pro-Indian Westerns and want to see the awful truth.

GRADE: B+

Having just purchased a home in the general area of Big Hole, I found myself becoming interested with this piece of American history. I've seen the documentary at the Big Hole State Park, read some of the different publications and as of now, I've seen this movie.

Obviously the "Hollywood" production falls flat compared to facts and figures. However, I did find that this movie makes it's best effort to depict actual events and timing. I also think that considering the times (1975) that this effort is well worth watching. I'm no 70's movie buff but the effects and dialogue more than met my expectations. I think at the very least, this movie would hopefully motivate others to research the specific plight of this group of native Americans.

At minimum, the Nez Perce fought 10+ battles while being chased by about 10 U.S. divisions and all this with only around 100 warriors. They traveled 1300+ miles in about 108 days (over 12 miles per day) before chief Joseph's famous speech. This also marked the last of the big battles between the U.S. government and the Indian tribes.

The story itself is powerful and engrossing on its own merits. The Nez Perce who had signed a treaty with the government to inhabit the Oregon River Valley were given an ultimatum by the US government in 1877 voiding that treaty. They had four days to decide whether to move or fight. General Howard -- after whom Howard University is named -- went to Congress personally to fight against this injustice, but in the end, as a general, felt compelled to execute his orders, even though he knew them to be unjust. He hates doing this because he considers Joseph a great Chief and a friend; his wife even made a doll for Joseph's expectant wife.

Meanwhile, bitter at the sting of more injustices but resigned to reality, Chief Joseph (a breathtakingly great performance by Ned Romero) decides that it is in the best interests of the tribe to acquiese. But a civilian volunteer shoots and kills two of the Nez Perce delegation under a flag of truce, and the tribe fights for its survival. Now, even though General Howard (sympathetically portrayed by James Whitmore) knows the Army's volunteers fired first, he is compelled to attack the Nez Perce to attempt to round them up to the reservation. Too late. The Nez Perce have already left, attempting to find freedom, eventually trying to cross the Canadian border, while every step of the way, the Army tries to hunt them down and capture Chief Joseph.

The movie, wisely, maintains its focus on the this journey and struggle. Gallantly, the tribe scales impossible terrain. Joseph frustrates the Army with false trails, games of cat-and-mouse, and resisting revenge. As the frustration wears on and the newspapers catch wind of the story, General Howard's life becomes a living hell. What was supposed to have been a two-week maneuver has been become a five-month campaign with hundreds of soldiers and Indians killed in the process. The General gets moral support from Colonel Miles (portrayed by Sam Elliott perhaps just a little bit too earnestly and emphatically); he speaks Nez Perce and Sioux and is disgusted by his government's lack of morals. His character will get on the nerve of those viewers who dislike "preachy" films.

Every thing else feels amazingly authentic. The tribal counsels and increasing weariness as the struggles continue are vividly and unforgettably portrayed by a mostly Native American cast. The score and cinematography are quite gripping. Some of the technical support and cuts however do reflect the film's made-for-TV roots.

This is one of the best historical movies I have ever seen, made-for-TV, or otherwise. I strongly recommend it to all readers of this review.

Like its hero, Chief Joseph of the Nez Pierce, this movie uses understatement to incredible effect. Ned Romero is brilliant as Chief Joseph, under who attempted to take his tribe to Canada. James Whitmore is marvelous as the Army officer, with an unusually progressive outlook, but powerless to assist Chief Joseph.

The photography is exceptional, and the score is hauntingly beautiful. See it if you can.

This is a great rendition of the true story of the noble-yet-futile struggle of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce to retain their independence and tribal life. At one poignant moment, General Howard (in an amazing portrayal by James Whitmore) intones gravely to his Colonel (memorably portrayed by Sam Elliott), "Read Your History." Then, he continues, the weak are always conquered and subjugated by the strong. The colonel retorts that when the strong become immoral, the day will come that they cease to be strong. This was true in 1877, and the parallels between our self-righteous, duplicitous and brutal behavior then and now are frighteningly similar to today's America.

Ned Romero does a great job of conveying the nobility, leadership, and tactical brilliance of Chief Joseph. And the native American actors who play the other Nez Perce are uniformly terrific. This excellent movie should not be missed.

This movie is one of my favorites because Chief Joseph is one of my favorite men in history. Here was a man possessed with great intelligence and character. He led his people and suffered great loss. This film shows the inhumanity of man to his fellow man and how one truly great man can rise the the occasion of greatness in the middle of great danger. An excellent film to watch.

This was a good movie that can be used in history classes. It focuses in on the struggles between the Nez Perce tribe and the Cavelry, and Chief Joseph in particular. It is as historically accurate as it can be, and the actors' portrayals are astonishing. I loved the "conflict scenes" and the portrayal of Joseph as a great man. It was a terrific movie!

*** out of ****

I have seen this movie in 1978 for the first time and it has moved and inspired me a lot. Its plain and simple authenticity, its well-structured plot, its reliance on Joseph's best oratory and the excellent performances of the players who mostly do without histrionics have struck me at first sight and still do so. I will show this movie again tonight to a course of my college students who study Native American history and Indian oratory and customs to deepen their cross-cultural understanding and I am sure that they will be amazed again as quite a lot of other courses before. I can truly recommend this movie to anyone who really cares about historical truth and high-quality cinematography. Dieter Seidensticker, Bielefeld, Germany

This is a historic film that I watched in grade school, about Chief Joseph (Ned Romero) of the Nez Perce Tribe, who leads his army to fight General Howard and his army for the Wallowa Valley.

It's a powerful film about action, drama, and struggles for the West, and great acting that showed Chief Joseph's battle against his adversaries and his plight for peace.

Grade B

"I Will Fight No More Forever" is not your typical shoot em up western. The dialog is interesting and profound. Ned Romero as the Ned Perce Tribe Chief is sorely conflicted about how to best preserve his way of life. Fight, run, or submit to the United Sates Calvary. James Whitmore as the pursuing General is similarly conflicted with his beliefs and his orders. The Indians are not characterized as mere savages, but as human beings whose way of life has been obliterated by the White Man. Sympathies abound and the battle scenes are secondary to the dialog, which is some of the finest in any film. Do not think of "I Will Fight No More Forever" as some liberal propaganda, because it it much too entertaining, to be regarded as merely a message movie. - MERK

Yes, this is a movie. No, it is not an action flic. As they say at the beginning, this is a dramatized story. Yet, they have done a very good job of telling the story of Chief Joseph and his attempt to flee to Canada. He won every engagement against the army. Until he was 40 miles from Canada. Then he ran out of hope. Especially toward the end there are many very find points made about what led to this chasing of Chief Joseph. The movie worth watching just for that. Overall this is really an excellent documentary. A movie can only do so much. There are many excellent books written (I have read some of them) which go into far more detail. If you can't read them you won't go wrong watching this movie.

The film had a modest budget, but it depicted very accurately events and major characters involved in the Nez Perce war. Had a strong anti war message; couldn't help noticing that it was made just after the US pulled out of Vietnam. Brian Ghilliotti

But bring a "hanky"! Ned Romero (who takes the role of the Indian Chief) was arguably never better than in this movie-the true story of an indian tribe that just wanted to live in peace in its own part of what we know as the USA. The American government refused to let them-hence the movie story of their plight which doesn't pull any punches in its retelling. Theres NO great American dream in here, just a case of the more powerful side beating, slowly, the other side into submission. Great acting by those who play the part of the Indians, their chiefs and their families. History shames those who now call themselves the "American people!"

Watching this movie on the 109th Anniversary of Chief Josephs death added a profound aspect to the experience. I had not seen this movie until a friend sent me a DVD that featured several other oldish Westerns and, even though this disc's transfer quality is poorish, the script quality and sincere professional performances, helped make up for it. Opera singer turned actor Ned Romero, himself of Indian/Spanish decent, turns in a powerful role as the Nez Perce Native Indian, Chief Joseph, as do those playing members of his tribe. Impressive also is veteran performer James Whitmore, playing high profile union military man General Oliver Howard (a noble Republican and founder of Howard and Lincoln universities). While Howard's overall treatment of Joseph and his people left much to be desired - he was pretty much dictated to by a not so sympathetic Democrat, President Andrew Johnson (who tried to reverse some of the good works established by his Republican predecessor, Lincoln)

Sam Elliott is also impressive as the General's sympathetic Captain. This picture is obviously a made for TV movie but thankfully, has been treated to enough stylish design, editing and general production values (David L. Wolper) to keep it solidly watchable. Prolific composer Gerald Fried (Paths of Glory '57) adds adequate atmos with his score and some well composed photographic touches lift it above its station. This is just one story of the tragic treatment metered out to the Native American Indians - within many broken treaties, and allows us to look back at the sad beginnings of creating new lands.

From the look of the DVD Cover displayed on this IMDb page and the quality of some images uploaded on YouTube there might be a better film-to-disc transfer available, so for those about to purchase, check for this before buying.

My american history teacher showed this film to us and it is a truthful account of what the Nez Perce had to go through thanks to the Union army. Beautifully told and acted though it was pretty obvious it was a Made for TV movie.