Battle of Rogue River (1954)

The Indians, under Chief Mike, have been defeating the Army in Oregon for years. The new commander, Major Archer, plans to defeat the Indians once and for all, but his orders are changed to... See full summary »

Director:

William Castle

Writers:

Douglas Heyes (story), Douglas Heyes (screenplay)

Stars:

George Montgomery, Richard Denning, Martha Hyer

Cast

Complete credited cast:
George Montgomery	...	Maj. Frank Archer
Richard Denning	...	Stacey Wyatt
Martha Hyer	...	Brett McClain
John Crawford	...	Capt. Richard Hillman
Emory Parnell	...	Sgt. McClain
Michael Granger	...	Chief Mike
Freeman Morse	...	Pvt. Reed
William Bryant	...	Corporal (as Bill Bryant)
Charles Evans	...	Matt Parish
Lee Roberts	...	Lt. Keith Ryan
Frank Sully	...	Pvt. Kohler
Steven Ritch	...	Indian (as Steve Ritch)

Storyline

The Indians, under Chief Mike, have been defeating the Army in Oregon for years. The new commander, Major Archer, plans to defeat the Indians once and for all, but his orders are changed to attempt a peaceful settlement. But there are certain people who do not want Oregon to become a state and they will attempt to keep the Indians on the war path.

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Plot Keywords:

oregon | army | duel | spear | spear throwing | 

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Taglines:

THE LAW OF THE LAST FRONTIER...FIGHT OR DIE! (original print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Western

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 March 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

De grote strijd

Filming Locations:

Iverson Ranch - 1 Iverson Lane, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

71 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Since Oregon was admitted to the Union in 1859, this movie was set before the civil war. However, all of the troopers are wearing 1872 issue cavalry uniforms, not civil war era uniforms.

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Quotes

Maj. Frank Archer: Sometimes a big bark is more effective than a little bite, Lieutenant.

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Soundtracks

"Ring, Ring the Banjo"
(uncredited)
Written by Stephen Foster
Arranged by Mischa Bakaleinikoff

User Reviews

Minor western with a decent cast.

Probably the most distinguishing feature about this "B" western is the choice of names for the characters. One of the leading men is named Stacey, the leading lady is named Brett and their Native American adversary is named Chief Mike! Montgomery plays a zero-tolerence, by-the-book Major who comes to an Oregon fort with orders to solve the Indian problem. There have been skirmishes back and forth across the title river and he's been given instructions to end the conflict, one way or another, to pave the way for Oregon statehood. (It does complicate matters that his orders from headquarters change on a dime!) Denning is the head of a civilian militia who is also heavily involved in the fighting. Both men have their eye on a Sergeant's daughter (Hyer) who has a mind of her own. Finally, some misunderstanding and manipulation leads to a final stand off between the Cavalry and the Indians. There isn't a lot that's particularly special about this film, one of dozens of this kind, but it does entertain and is brief enough not to drag much. Montgomery is handsome, stalwart and charming, even through his icy exterior. Hyer is spirited and flirtatious. Crawford looks as if he's going to have a decent role (and it's great to see him looking young and handsome), but it only goes so far before he's lost in the shuffle. The Indians, aside from Granger as the Chief, don't come off as particularly authentic or menacing. At least the dialogue has a few decent lines. Other films have covered this territory better, but it's not a bad time killer. Directed by infamous showman William Castle just prior to his horror spree, it's a wonder audiences didn't get a clamp that looks like an arrow went through their head with each paid admission!