When the Legends Die (1972)

A young, rebellious Ute Indian joins the rodeo circuit and falls in with a drunken mentor who teaches him the ways of the ring and the world.

Director:

Stuart Millar

Writers:

Hal Borland (novel), Robert Dozier (screenplay)

Stars:

Richard Widmark, Frederic Forrest, Luana Anders

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Widmark	...	Red Dillon
Frederic Forrest	...	Tom Black Bull
Luana Anders	...	Mary
Vito Scotti	...	Meo (Dillon's caretaker)
Herbert Nelson	...	Dr. Wilson
John War Eagle	...	Blue Elk
John Gruber	...	Clyde 'Tex' Walker
Garry Walberg	...	School Superintendant
Jack Mullaney	...	Gas Station Attendant
Malcolm Curley	...	Benny Grayback (school principal)
Roy Engel	...	Sam Turner
Rex Holman	...	Neil Swenson
Mel Gallagher	...	Cowboy
Tillman Box	...	Young Tom Black Bull
Sondra Pratt	...	Angie (girl who picks up Tom)

Storyline

A young, rebellious Ute Indian joins the rodeo circuit and falls in with a drunken mentor who teaches him the ways of the ring and the world.

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Plot Keywords:

native american reservation | contemporary western | horseback riding | ute indian | rodeo | 

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Taglines:

You can beat Tom Black Bull. Betray him. Try to tame him. But watch out.

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Genres:

Drama | Western

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on the book of the same title.

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Quotes

[last lines]
"Killer" Tom Black Bull: When I was a boy, I lived in the mountains. Blue Elk brought me here from the lodge to tell my people of the old ways. The superintendent said you would listen to me after I learned the new ways. I've learned the new ways. I'm back.
Ute tribal chairman: We only have one rodeo a year.
"Killer" Tom Black Bull: I know that.
Ute tribal chairman: What do you have in mind?
"Killer" Tom Black Bull: I would like to be with the horses.

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Connections

Referenced in My Husband, the Producer (1974)

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Soundtracks

The Riderless Wagon
Lyrics by Bo Goldman
Music by Glenn Paxton
Sung by Freddie Hart and Kenni Husky

User Reviews

The best of the early 70's "rodeo" movies

Perhaps the best of the "aging rodeo cowboy" movies that mysteriously began to appear in 71-72 (Cliff Robertson's "J.W. Coop," Steve Inhat's "The Honkers" with James Coburn, and Sam Peckinpah's "Junior Bonner" with Steve McQueen). What makes the difference is Richard Widmark who seems more appropriately cast than the stars of the rival rodeo films. Widmark is excellent in perhaps the best of his later period roles.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 December 1972 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

The Taming of Tom Black Bull

Filming Locations:

Bayfield, Colorado, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$559,088

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sagaponack Films, Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1