This A Western starring Kirk Douglas at his most macho is fun for its action, the gorgeous majestic scenery and the frenetic battles between a wagon train trying to get through Sioux territory while Douglas attempts to keep peace. But thanks to two nasty white men traders (a young Walter Matthau and veteran horror star Lon Chaney Jr., attempts at a peaceful journey is instantly diminished. It doesn't help that Douglas makes a violent pass at Sioux maiden Elsa Martinelli who seemingly loves him, but it's more the antics of Matthau (rather deceptive in his persona) and Chaney, much more blatant.
Then there's Kirk's real life wife (at the time), Diana Douglas (Michael's mother), playing a feisty widow who pulls Kirk out on the fort grounds for a dance, encouraging him to be more aggressive with her, indicating that she wants him as her next husband. Michael Winkelman plays her hero worshiping son who obviously wouldn't mind calling Kirk "dad".
What makes this Western a little bit more than just Indian battles and scalpings is Douglas's belief in right over wrong irregardless of what side he's supposed to be on, and he's willing to hand over Chaney and Matthau to Indian chief Eduard Franz. Douglas is excellent in a scene where he tells Chief red cloud what to expect if they keep the battle of revenge going. Walter Abel, Frank Cady, Elisha Cook Jr. and Alan Hale Jr. are among the other familiar faces. I'm sure this look glorious on a big screen, and in widescreen, it will look just as glorious on your TV.
Then there's Kirk's real life wife (at the time), Diana Douglas (Michael's mother), playing a feisty widow who pulls Kirk out on the fort grounds for a dance, encouraging him to be more aggressive with her, indicating that she wants him as her next husband. Michael Winkelman plays her hero worshiping son who obviously wouldn't mind calling Kirk "dad".
What makes this Western a little bit more than just Indian battles and scalpings is Douglas's belief in right over wrong irregardless of what side he's supposed to be on, and he's willing to hand over Chaney and Matthau to Indian chief Eduard Franz. Douglas is excellent in a scene where he tells Chief red cloud what to expect if they keep the battle of revenge going. Walter Abel, Frank Cady, Elisha Cook Jr. and Alan Hale Jr. are among the other familiar faces. I'm sure this look glorious on a big screen, and in widescreen, it will look just as glorious on your TV.