The Last Wagon (1956)

Wagon train survivors of an Apache attack entrust the sheriff's prisoner, scout Comanche Todd, with their lives despite his wanted-for-murder status.

Director:

Delmer Daves

Writers:

James Edward Grant (screenplay), Delmer Daves (screenplay)

Stars:

Richard Widmark, Felicia Farr, Susan Kohner

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Richard Widmark	...	Comanche Todd
Felicia Farr	...	Jenny
Susan Kohner	...	Jolie Normand
Tommy Rettig	...	Billy
Stephanie Griffin	...	Valinda Normand
Ray Stricklyn	...	Clint
Nick Adams	...	Ridge
Carl Benton Reid	...	Gen. Howard
Douglas Kennedy	...	Col. Normand
George Mathews	...	Sheriff Bull Harper
James Drury	...	Lt. Kelly
Ken Clark	...	Sergeant

Storyline

Accused of murdering three of Sheriff Bull Harper's brothers, the Comanche-reared white man, "Comanche" Todd, is captured and dragged to trial. Cautiously, as the two men ride across hostile Apache territory, they will join Colonel Normand's wagon train of women and children, only to be ambushed and massacred by the Indians whose families were slaughtered by the whites. Now, the few survivors have no other choice but to trust their dubious protector, Todd, as hundreds of vengeful Apaches track them down, thirsting for blood. Can they make it out alive?

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Plot Keywords:

apache territory | arizona territory | war party | tucson arizona | territory | 

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Taglines:

Nothing could stop the last wagon from coming through!

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the second of two films that Tommy Rettig made with Richard Widmark: he played Widmark's son in Elia Kazan's "Panic in the Streets" (1950).

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Goofs

Just before The End title comes up, you can see the shadow of the camera crew as Todd rides off.

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Quotes

Comanche Todd: Sounds reasonable

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue: 1873 Arizona Territory

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Connections

Referenced in Hollywood Screen Tests: Take 2 (1999)

User Reviews

A renegade half-Indian saves the day in the Old West.

The Last Wagon is not in the Premier League of great westerns; but it should be. Delmer Davis has fashioned an exciting, pacey film, which has all the finest ingredients of the American West.The story is never less than interesting and absorbing,and sometimes superlative. Richard Widmark plays Commanche Todd perfectly, displaying ruthlessness, kindness, charm and craggy reliability, in equal measure.The Widmark easy grin trademark is evident, which only he can switch on, lending light relief to a grim story.

But for me the film is notable for a love scene that compares easily with that of the famous train meeting between Cary Grant and Eve Marie Saint in North by Northwest. Felicia Farr as Jenny, and Todd, fetch up in the rocks of the wild prairie, and Todd makes his move. Then follows a curiously compelling verbal exchange that is achingly romantic,full of blossoming love and yearning, and charged with heady excitement.You can almost hear Farr's rapid heart beating. For one brief moment Felica Farr makes herself the most desirable women on the planet.When the kiss comes it makes your heart sigh. Then it's back to the action, and the film pulses along to a satisfying conclusion. But it will be Farr's breathlessness, sensuality and desirability that lingers in the mind.There have been countless Screen Goddess's;but only a few like Felicia Farr and Eve Marie Saint, have been able to effortlessly radiate true sex appeal

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 September 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Last Wagon

Filming Locations:

Bell Rock, Sedona, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,670,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

3 Channel Stereo (Westrex Recording System) (5.0) (L-R)

Color:

Color (Color by Deluxe)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1