Drums Across the River (1954)

When whites hunger after the gold on Ute Indian land, a bigoted young man finds himself forced into a peacekeeping role.

Director:

Nathan Juran

Writers:

John K. Butler (story), John K. Butler (screenplay),

Stars:

Audie Murphy, Walter Brennan, Lyle Bettger

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Audie Murphy	...	Gary Brannon
Walter Brennan	...	Sam Brannon
Lyle Bettger	...	Frank Walker
Lisa Gaye	...	Jennie Marlowe
Hugh O'Brian	...	Morgan
Mara Corday	...	Sue Randolph
Jay Silverheels	...	Taos
Emile Meyer	...	Nathan Marlowe
Regis Toomey	...	Sheriff Jim Beal
Morris Ankrum	...	Chief Ouray
Bob Steele	...	Billy Costa
James Anderson	...	Jed Walker
George Wallace	...	Les Walker
Lane Bradford	...	Ralph Costa
Howard McNear	...	Stilwell

Storyline

Crown City, Colorado, may become a ghost town; the only gold left is in Ute Indian land. Gary Brannon, an honest man who hates Indians, joins a mission to try for mining concessions; but crooked Frank Walker, more realistically, plans to start an Indian war. Gary and his wiser father Sam have their hands full keeping the peace, and Walker has lots more schemes up his sleeve. More plot twists than the average Western.

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Plot Keywords:

gold | ute indian | camp | betrayal | quick draw | 

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Genres:

Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

June 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Adlerschwinge

Filming Locations:

San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Stirrups are visible beneath the blankets on the Indians' horses.

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Quotes

Chief Ouray: I fought the enemies of peace, no matter who, while I lived. I will fight them after my death.

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Connections

Featured in Biography: Audie Murphy: Great American Hero (1996)

User Reviews

A fine cowboys and Indians western

This unheralded western is a solid yarn about a familiar plot of greedy whites scheming to mine rich gold deposits on Indian land. Audie Murphy's role as an Indian-hating cowboy is a bit out of character for him but he's okay in spite of his clean-cut, easygoing manner. Walter Brennan, a surprise member of the cast, is great in the role of Murphy's father and friend of the Indians. There are nice battles between the cowboys and Indians and the scenery is terrific. Lyle Bettger is the heavy and gives his usual fine performance. Jay Silverheels figures prominently in the picture and is stern but dignified as an Indian chief. Morris Ankrum and Mara Corday are also good in limited roles.