Indian Paint (1965)

Nishko is a chief's son in the Great Plains, before Europeans arrive. During his rite of passage, he's determined to tame a painted pony. He approaches manhood while his peaceful clan is ... See full summary »

Director:

Norman Foster

Writers:

Glenn Balch (novel), Norman Foster (screenplay)

Stars:

Johnny Crawford, Jay Silverheels, Pat Hogan

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Johnny Crawford	...	Nishko
Jay Silverheels	...	Chief Hevatanu
Pat Hogan	...	Sutamakis
George J. Lewis	...	Nopawallo (as George Lewis)
Joan Hallmark	...	Amatula
Cinda Siler	...	Petala
Bill Blackwell	...	Sutako (as William Blackwell)
Al Doney	...	Latoso (as Albert Doney)
Marshall Jones	...	Comanche leader
Suzanne Goodman	...	Widow of Latoso
Warren L. Dodge	...	Second Comanche

Storyline

Nishko is a chief's son in the Great Plains, before Europeans arrive. During his rite of passage, he's determined to tame a painted pony. He approaches manhood while his peaceful clan is set upon by a nearby tribe willing to break a treaty. He must also contend with the kidnapping of three young women from his village, his pony's illness behind enemy lines, his mother's coma after a rattlesnake bite, the medicine man's urging that he sacrifice what he loves best, the attack of a cougar and of wolves, and his own injury while alone in the woods. His kindness, bravery, and quick thinking serve him well, but rescue come from an unexpected source.

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Plot Keywords:

great plains | tribe | injury | cougar | treaty | 

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Genres:

Western

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Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Crown International Pictures

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 April 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

Auf der Suche nach Mukapo

Filming Locations:

Grand Prairie, Texas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Eagle American, Tejas

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

Final film of Pat Hogan.

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Soundtracks

"Painted Pony"
(uncredited)
Music by Marlin Skiles
Lyrics by Norman Foster

User Reviews

A dated but noble effort. Definitely worth a viewing.

I am surprised no one has commented in this film. Sure, it is cheesy by todays standards, and perhaps even for its time. The dialog is pretty corny, and the representation of Native American's might even be considered condescending in its naiveté, especially by our current PC standards. But what I found interesting is that it tells the story of young Indians coming of age from their own perspective. Once again this perspective isn't really theirs, its Hollywoods, but none-the-less it is a story about their life, much in the same way as "Dances With Wolves" tells the story of Indian life. Not that I am comparing the films. "Dances.." is obviously a classic and very few have even heard of "Indian Paint". Rather I am associating the themes of the films and their focus on the lives of the Indians themselves.

Not an easy one to find, but if you do, give it a shot. Set your schmaltz meter to the appropriate era and it should be entertaining enough. Plus it's got Johnny Crawford. How bad could it really be?