In 1866, a new gold discovery and an inconclusive conference force the U.S. Army to build a road and fort in territory ceded by previous treaty to the Sioux...to the disgust of frontier scout Jim Bridger, whose Cheyenne wife led him to see the conflict from both sides. The powder-keg situation needs only a spark to bring war, and violent bigots like Lieut. Rob Dancy are all too likely to provide this. Meanwhile, Bridger's chance of preventing catastrophe is dimmed by equally wrenching personal conflicts. Unusually accurate historically.
Writing
Surprisingly nuanced on Native agency for 1951.
Acting
Van Heflin wears the weight of every broken treaty.
Direction
Sherman stages chaos without glorifying it.
Director
George Sherman
Van Heflin
Bridger
Yvonne De Carlo
Julie Madden
Alex Nicol
Lt. Rob Dancy
Preston Foster
Col. Carrington
Jack Oakie
Sol Beckworth
Tom Tully
Dan Castello
John War Eagle
Red Cloud
Rock Hudson
Burt Hanna
Susan Cabot
Monahseetah
Arthur Space
Captain Fetterman
Russ Conway
Major Horton
Ann Doran
Mrs. Carrington
Stuart Randall
Sergeant Newell
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on the Fetterman Massacre of 1866, with Bridger as a fictional composite of several real scouts who warned Carrington.
Yvonne De Carlo insisted on non-stereotyped wardrobe and dialogue; her pushback reportedly shaped Julie's dignity in final cut.
US
