The Tomahawk and the Cross
(1956)
|
|
| 0Share... |
The Tomahawk and the Cross
(1956)
|
|
| 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jeff Chandler | ... | ||
| Dorothy Malone | ... |
Calla Gaxton
|
|
| Ward Bond | ... |
Dr. Joseph Holden
|
|
|
|
Keith Andes | ... |
Capt. Tom Gaxton
|
| Lee Marvin | ... |
Sgt. Lloyd Carracart
|
|
| Sydney Chaplin | ... |
Timothy
|
|
| Willis Bouchey | ... |
Col. Edson Stedlow
|
|
| Michael Ansara | ... |
Kamiakin
|
|
|
|
Olive Carey | ... |
Mrs. Anne Avery
|
|
|
Charles Horvath | ... |
Sgt. Dutch Williams
|
|
|
Orlando Rodriguez | ... |
Malachi
|
|
|
Glen Kramer | ... |
Lt. Winston
|
|
|
Floyd Simmons | ... |
Lt. Hammond
|
|
|
Pat Hogan | ... |
Jacob
|
|
|
Felix Noriego | ... |
Lucas
|
In Oregon Country, 1868, several tribes of Native Americans have been placed on a reservation north of the Snake River. Here Doctor Holden has built a church, and many of the tribes have accepted Christianity and Christian names. Sgt. Emmett Bell is in charge of maintaining order here. When the cavalry, under the command of Col. Stedlow, arrives, building a bridge across the river and intending to open a road across the reservation to areas north, some of the tribal chiefs feel their treaty has been violated. As the cavalry column advances into the reservation, Kamiakin vows to lead the tribes in battle against the encroaching white men. Written by Jeff Hole <jeffhole@aol.com>
This fine western is a cavalry-Indian affair that has the usual treaty-breaking by the government as it builds a road and fort on Indian land that causes an uproar and leads to war. The military's action sets in motion cavalry-Indian hostilities and the tribes gather for an attack on the fort. Many of the Indians have been baptised and converted to Christianity by a white missionary and live in peace with the soldiers, many serving as scouts under a sergeant played by Jeff Chandler. Complicating matters are two white women the Indians hold as hostages who are at great risk should war break out. Chandler did some his best work in westerns and is the lieutenant whom the Indian soldiers respect and follow faithfully. Chandler's flirtation with a married woman, played by Dorothy Malone, doesn't have much to do with the story other than to give the leading man a romantic interest. Ward Bond, Michael Ansara and Keith Andes are good in supporting roles. Oregon's scenic beauty is on display in this CinemaScope film.