Review of Reprisal!

This B western was directed by the master of B westerns: George Marshall. The title was taken from the book of the same name, by Arthur Gordon, which is centered around the historic lynching of 4 African Americans in GA, in 1946, by a mob of whites. This generated national protests, and induced President Truman to create The President's Commission on Civil Rights, and to promote anti-lynching legislation, which was struck down by a southern Democrat coalition. Of course, no one was convicted. ...........This film is also about sour race relations, but, as expected in a western, the ethnic minority is Native Americans. The villains are the trio of Shipley brothers: Bert, Neil, and Tom. At the beginning, they are on trial for the lynching of 2 Native Americans. Of course, they are acquitted by the prejudiced jury. But, we aren't yet finished with lynchings! The climax of the film centers around an angry mob who breaks Frank Madden(Guy Madison) out of jail to hang him for supposedly shooting Tom Shipley. Ironically, although they think they are lynching a white man this time, Frank secretly is actually a half breed(although he doesn't look it). Also, ironically, the actual guilty is a Native American, who was enacting revenge for killing his wife........The remaining Shipleys have good reason for wanting Frank dead. They had long grazed their cattle on the land that Frank had recently filed a claim on. With Frank dead, they hoped to claim this land for themselves......... Two young single women actually tried to persuade the mob to release Frank. Catherine, played by beautiful, pensive, Felicia Farr, had just been visiting Frank, in jail. The mob leaders wanted to know her objection to their task. She blurts out that she loves Frank. This doesn't dissuade the leaders. However, soon, Indian princess Taini(played by Caucasian-looking Kathryn Grant), steps in front of the mob and yells that Frank is innocent. How does she know?. She tells them that Frank was with her all that night. Everyone, especially Catherine, is shocked. Viewers know that Taini's claim is likely false, as Frank had rebuffed her interest in him, as he didn't want to be known as an Indian lover, possibly bringing into question his own ethnic background, possibly bringing into question his right to own land. Amazingly, the mob accepts Taini's claim as the truth, and soon disperses..........Next, there is an incident between Bert Shipley and the group of Frank, Taini and Frank's Indian grandfather. Then, Frank tried to convince the now stand-offish Catherine that Taini lied, to protect him. But she was hesitant to accept that........See the film(free at You Tube) to learn the details of the post-lynching mob finale...........Kathrine Grant would soon marry Bing Crosby, keeping her in the limelight, while Felicia Farr would later marry actor Jack Lemmon.