Although beautifully shot, this United Artists feature is not quite as good as the first Lone Ranger big screen color outing of 1956 by Warner Brothers. But neither is it average, for the cinematic effort does go boldly where most westerns of the time dared not. Remarkably, this 1958 film takes on racial bigotry in a manner that was quite daring for a family western of this period. In point of fact, the writers of this feature should be applauded for going a step farther and making racial "passing" an integral part of an otherwise ordinary plot. How many dramatically significant family films of the time can one name that would dare to have dealt with such an emotionally explosive premise?
It should also be noted, Jay Silverheels for the first time, has a much greater speaking role and acting function than normally allowed for his character, Tonto. All in all, with solid acting from most of it's participants, this is not a bad western. On the whole, the film is thoroughly enjoyable, on several levels, for all members of the family.
It should also be noted, Jay Silverheels for the first time, has a much greater speaking role and acting function than normally allowed for his character, Tonto. All in all, with solid acting from most of it's participants, this is not a bad western. On the whole, the film is thoroughly enjoyable, on several levels, for all members of the family.