Being Kirk Douglas', Bryna Production Company's first commercial feature, it was a sign for what was to come. As good an all-rounder as Mr Douglas was, he was given to an occasional level of 'showing-off' and this movie was his first chance to demonstrate to what extent he liked to do just that. With so much talent, at many tasks, it's little wonder he was ever so willing to display examples of these gifts.
His character as the Indian Fighter is not exactly a good role model in any sense of the word - he forces his advances upon a young native Indian girl till she relents, then puts the lives of his charges in desperate peril to continue dalliances' with her - certainly a flawed character. While the writing credits are impressive this production amounts to little more than a rather typical 'B' Western of its day. If it could be seen to lift its gain to higher ideals it might be in treating the native Indians with more respect than so many others demonstrated. But, who do we get to play the Indian maiden? None other than Italian actress Elsa Martinelli - an Indian squaw with an Italian accent!! Might this have had something to do with the fact the already married Douglas, was involved in a torrid affair with his co-star...Hmm. Other odd turns had some of the white characters also playing Indians, causing some confusion!
Best thing about the entire effort has to be the marvellous CinemaScope, Technicolor cinematography, courtesy of Wilfrid .H. Cline - accompanied by an agreeable score by Franz Waxman. Mr Douglas endangers himself by performing his own considerable horse riding and physical stunts - this often sent him running to the medical unit. This must have not only worried the insurers but forced up his policies considerably. Oh well when you're paying the bills, who cares? Kirk gave us numerous remarkable classics but was always better when working for other producer/directors who were able to reel him in when tempted to go over the top. For action addicts only. The MGM/UA DVD is a superb transfer.
His character as the Indian Fighter is not exactly a good role model in any sense of the word - he forces his advances upon a young native Indian girl till she relents, then puts the lives of his charges in desperate peril to continue dalliances' with her - certainly a flawed character. While the writing credits are impressive this production amounts to little more than a rather typical 'B' Western of its day. If it could be seen to lift its gain to higher ideals it might be in treating the native Indians with more respect than so many others demonstrated. But, who do we get to play the Indian maiden? None other than Italian actress Elsa Martinelli - an Indian squaw with an Italian accent!! Might this have had something to do with the fact the already married Douglas, was involved in a torrid affair with his co-star...Hmm. Other odd turns had some of the white characters also playing Indians, causing some confusion!
Best thing about the entire effort has to be the marvellous CinemaScope, Technicolor cinematography, courtesy of Wilfrid .H. Cline - accompanied by an agreeable score by Franz Waxman. Mr Douglas endangers himself by performing his own considerable horse riding and physical stunts - this often sent him running to the medical unit. This must have not only worried the insurers but forced up his policies considerably. Oh well when you're paying the bills, who cares? Kirk gave us numerous remarkable classics but was always better when working for other producer/directors who were able to reel him in when tempted to go over the top. For action addicts only. The MGM/UA DVD is a superb transfer.